1965/66 REVIEW
Following the dreadful 1964/65 season, the worst the club had experienced since its formation, the committee realised the need for change and appointed a Player Manager in June. Jim Rayner, an experienced prolific scorer in non-League football who had just spent a season with Notts County where he finished as top scorer, was drafted in. He quickly set about rebuilding the team and, in a reversal of the previous season’s policy of signing inexperienced youngsters on a tight budget, he was able to sign players of proven quality.

The committee’s belief that attractive, attacking football would lead to an increase in attendances proved to be correct. Unfortunately, the increase was not sufficient enough for the club to become more financially stable. Matters came to a head at the turn of the New Year when, following a sequence of disappointing results, Rayner resigned. He claimed that he chose to leave, rather than release any players in the squad, to help relieve the financial burden. The club echoed his comments although it didn’t stop a few people from believing that the downturn in form, which culminated in a humiliating 8-3 New Years Day defeat at Lockheed Leamington, had contributed to his downfall. Interestingly, the club signed a new inside forward shortly after his departure, Derek Fawell, who was a good ball player who scored his fair share of goals.

When Rayner joined he immediately signed two new forwards. Teenage centre forward John Froggatt, a tall, bustling goalscorer who was strong in the air and could shoot powerfully on the run, had previously made a handful of first team appearances for Notts County and he went on to become a huge success at Ilkeston over the next few years before eventually returning to League football for a decent career in the 1970s. He was joined by local inside forward, Ralph Brown, who had appeared for Aston Villa in the first ever League Cup final before moving to Notts County where his career stalled. A busy, energetic player who was skilful and comfortable on the ball, he began the season slowly but gradually became an excellent player for Ilkeston who, like Froggatt, went on to score 100 goals for the club. With existing forward Mick Raynor in tow these three forwards each notched 20 league goals apiece during the 1965/66 season. Where Ilkeston sometimes struggled was on the wings. The outside left position was never adequately sorted at any stage during the season with ten players tried there including Brown and Raynor. The outside right position was problematic also, the situation becoming worse when the enigmatic John Gissing fractured a leg; he never played for the club again. Rayner was forced to sign Colin Dove in October and he fared better. A small, traditional tricky winger with skill, pace and an accurate cross, Dove fitted the bill.

Rayner also strengthened the defence, a necessity given the debacle of 1964/65. Terry Swinscoe remained at centre half as did the equally experienced Joby Dean at right back. They were joined by the talented youngster Barry Walker who dropped back from the forward line to right half. Confident on the ball he was allowed to bring it forward as often as possible to turn defence into attack, and although he didn’t stand out like a beacon as he had done the previous season he was surrounded by other gifted players this time and was less conspicuous as a result. Left back Brian Wright was also signed as was the confident goalkeeper Graham Clarke who made some outstanding saves and who emerged as the club’s best goalkeeper for some considerable time.

Rayner soon had to change the defence, however. Two quick heavy defeats immediately after a promising opening day victory against the previous season’s champions, Lockheed Leamington, led to the arrival of left half Bob MacAndrew who had played for Derby. More defensively minded than Walker MacAndrew nevertheless liked to support the attack when given the opportunity where he could demonstrate his powerful shooting. A nasty ribs injury suffered by Wright led to the signing of experienced Brian Harrison, a short stocky left back who was strong in the tackle.

Results picked up to such an extent that Town topped the table in mid October and remained there for six weeks. Then came the sequence of one win in six games prior to Rayner’s resignation, a run that ultimately cost them the title.

Ilkeston recovered well after Rayner left. He had scored frequently and some of his goals were of the highest quality, from both open play and dead ball situations. But he wasn’t missed as much as expected and along with new signing Fawell the team played with attacking verve and scored plenty of goals. Although a serious title challenge was never realistic under the circumstances they nevertheless clung on and it wasn’t until the final couple of weeks that it became mathematically impossible to win the Midland League. Some of their attacking football was frighteningly good and they ended the season with an impressive 78 league goals to their name at home, hitting five goals or more in a game ten times during the season. The 10-2 home win against Long Eaton United, when they scored 7 times in the last 27 minutes, is the club’s record Midland League victory but there were plenty of other teams who couldn’t cope with Town’s attacking flair.

Finally, one of Town’s young players left the club for better things. John Tudor, whose first team opportunities had been limited, was signed by Coventry City and he went on to have a highly successful career moving on to Sheffield United, Newcastle United - where he played in an FA Cup Final - and Stoke City. His excellence in the air made him equally adept as a centre forward and centre back but it was scoring instincts for which he was best known.

1966/67 REVIEW
Ilkeston Town entered the 1966/67 season with a squad of players capable of mounting a challenge for the Midland League title. All the key players who had performed so well for much of the previous season remained at the Manor Ground. Yet, despite all expectations, the team spectacularly under achieved and spent most of the season in midtable mediocrity.

The obvious reason for their failure was the lack of leadership on the pitch. The committee chose not to appoint a manager and so there was a great need for a strong captain to bring out the best of the players. Unfortunately, Bob MacAndrew was not the man. A consistent, dependable player who was wholehearted in his approach, thus setting a good example, he conversely failed to motivate the team. Too many players went through the motions and performances were frequently apathetic. On their day, as expected with such a talented squad, they could destroy teams. A prime example was the stunning 8-2 away win at Scunthorpe United Reserves and there were some good displays on the Manor Ground. But when things didn’t go so well, especially on their travels, heads dropped far too easily. It is unfair to blame MacAndrew for the team’s failings, however, because it was a collective responsibility and certain individuals should have taken a long hard look at themselves.

It wasn’t just the players’ indifference that conspired to make the 1966/67 season such a non event. The most ridiculous fixture schedule imaginable meant that by New Years Eve only 8 of the 23 league games had been played at home. With so many away games the team quickly found itself way off the pace and more importantly the lack of home games put a huge strain on finances. By the time Town had a rush of home games during the second half of the season the matches were meaningless and attendances reflected this. But for the considerable financial assistance by the Supporters Club, Town could have gone into financial meltdown and their generosity ensured that the best, albeit under achieving, players remained at the club. It was no secret that the club tried to offload left back Brian Harrison to try to balance the books but with no takers Harrison remained a regular fixture in the team until the end of the season.

Exempt from criticism were the long serving centre back Terry Swinscoe and the talented attack minded right half Barry Walker. John Froggatt also impressed again with his quality finishing and an impressive goal tally. However, Joby Dean at right back was past his best and although he played frequently he became something of a liability due to his poor disciplinary record. Indeed, Dean was sent off twice and it was no surprise when he announced that he would retire at the season’s end.

Goalkeeper Graham Clarke made a couple of uncharacteristic errors early in the season and when sickness prevented him from playing in the home game against Arnold in October Terry Barker did well in his place. When Clarke regained his health he couldn’t get back in the team. Barker suffered from a hairline fracture of the jaw at Worksop in February but his bravery was such that he was back in action two weeks later. Nevertheless, when he refused to take part in a reserves game late in the season he was finished as an Ilkeston player.

Most disappointing were the forwards, Froggatt apart. Mick Raynor was played out of position on the left wing and was released after failing to impress. His relacement, Arthur Orridge did better and could have been the club’s best outside left for some time had it not been for a troublesome groin injury that affected his game. Derek Fawell and Ralph Brown were inconsistent and failed to deliver the quantity of goals expected although they were capable of brilliance when the mood took them. The same could be said of the outside right, the tricky Colin Dove.

There was a bright shining light in the shape of Jim Everson, a young roving inside forward introduced to the team late in the season, who showed an appetite for goals and promised much. Town also introduced the hard tackling Mick Wyld during the second half of the season and although the fans didn’t warm to him initially he became an important player to the club in seasons to follow.

The 1966/67 season was significant because substitutes were used for the first time. Each team could have one substitute who could be called upon in the event of an injury to a player. Canny managers and coaches quickly caught on to bringing substitutes on for tactical reasons and the law, being almost impossible to enforce, was changed in due course so that substitutes could be used for reasons other than injury. Ilkeston kept within the spirit of the law for some considerable time, only bringing on substitutes in the event of injury. Their first named substitute, Keith Bryan, didn’t come on and it wasn’t until early October that one was called upon. Britton (Christian name unknown) replaced the injured Orridge in the Stamford home game. It was also the season when Ilkeston, after several aborted attempts, finally changed from their predominantly white kit to a red one. The Robins were born.

With the 1966/67 season consigned to history as a wasted opportunity the committee announced that it was searching for a new Player Manager. This was indeed the right course of action. The question was could they find someone who could bring the glory days back to the Manor Ground.

1967/68 REVIEW
The Ilkeston Town committee were quick to decide that it was crucial for the club’s progress to appoint a player coach following the non event that was 1966/67. Several individuals were approached and they finally decided upon Dave Agnew, the Notts County defender who was appointed in early July. It was his job to mould a team of talented individuals into a winning outfit capable of challenging for the Midland Counties League title.

Aware that the club had a number of exciting forwards on the books he set about strengthening the defence whilst improving the overall fitness, tactical awareness and mental toughness of the squad. A crucial pre season signing was former Mansfield and Lincoln ‘keeper Colin Treharne, an agile, brave, commanding and highly vocal stopper who was soon rated as the best in his position in the Midland League. Right back Mick Jones, another former Mansfield player, was a strong tackling defender who was a perfect replacement for the just retired Joby Dean. The void caused by the departure of left back Brian Harrison was filled by Agnew himself, a ball playing defender who liked to push forward and prompt attacking moves.

The half back line of Barry Walker, Terry Swinscoe and Mick Wyld was left well alone while proven forwards such as John Froggatt, Ralph Brown, Colin Dove, Jim Everson and Arthur Orridge were also retained although the latter was to play no part because of a long standing injury. Two other young forwards arrived during the summer and they were to play their part. Local lads Jon Nixon and John "Fudge" Parry who could play down the flanks were both destined to make frequent appearances. Nixon’s chance came because of the loss of form of Dove although he too proved to be talented yet inconsistent and was never certain of his place. Parry on the other hand made an immediate impact and his confidence at running at defenders was a joy to watch. He took the place of Everson who completely lost his way following his own explosive burst onto the scene at the end of the previous season. Everson’s demise was as quick as his rise and he was released in the early winter.

The Robins did not begin the season convincingly. Only 2 of the first 9 league games were won and only 6 goals were scored. Worse still, they were humiliatingly knocked out of the FA Cup by amateur opponents Norton Woodseats. True, they had become a much tougher proposition but they lacked attacking flair and the team’s more defensive approach meant that the prolific Froggatt was not getting the service he had been used to. Agnew’s response was effective. The introduction of Parry in place of Everson added a much needed goal threat and Swinscoe was pushed forward from the back to give Froggatt more support down the centre. MacAndrew took over the centre half berth and, despite his lack of height, did well, his excellent positional play more than compensating. The changes worked for a time and, with no club running away at the top, Ilkeston were able to keep in touch with the leading pack.

However, the team was inconsistent and the defence was shaky on occasions. The team had lost 6 league games by early January and there was little margin for error if Ilkeston were to make a late challenge for the title. Agnew, who by now had been given the title Player Manager, made the necessary changes. Barry Walker was handed a more attacking role in midfield with the tough tackling Mick Wyld dropping back to protect the defence. Two new signings arrived. The speedy, talented forward Alan Brown, who could play on the wing or inside was joined by Terry Thompson, a midfield player with admirable distribution who could make sweeping runs forward and who was blessed with a powerful shot. Froggatt, in particular, was boosted by the fresh impetus the new arrivals gave as was Ralph Brown.

There was an unfortunate casualty in the upheaval. The long serving Terry Swinscoe’s diminishing pace was magnified during his spell alongside Froggatt and he was dropped for the first time in his 8 and a half years at Ilkeston. He had just appeared in a remarkable 186 successive matches, a club record, as was his total of 377 appearances. Disillusioned when informed that he no longer figured in Agnew’s plans Swinscoe left the club, the anguish causing him to pack in football.

But while Swinscoe despaired the team went from strength to strength. By late March they were hot on the heels of the leading group and even a defeat at fellow challengers Scarborough did not adversely affect them. 8 wins and 2 draws, with only 5 goals conceded, over the next 10 games took them to the top of the table for the first time, with one match remaining. They were one point clear of second place Heanor who had a game in hand that, crucially, was to be played 48 hours after Ilkeston’s final match. Fourth place Arnold also had a game in hand and were two points behind. Ilkeston’s problem was that their final game was at third place Gainsborough who with a convincing victory over The Robins could potentially clinch the title on goal average themselves.

The final Saturday saw a win for Heanor but Arnold’s hopes were dashed when they picked up just a solitary point from their remaining two games. More importantly Ilkeston won 1-0 with a terrific performance thanks to an early goal from Parry. These results meant that Heanor had to win their final game, away at Grimsby Town Reserves two days later, to win the Midland League. Grimsby, to their credit, fought manfully and held Heanor to a 0-0 draw. Ilkeston Town were champions and had won it by the narrowest of margins. On goal average, by 0.12 of a goal. Agnew’s first season had ended in glory.

The Robins also came close to silverware in the Derbyshire Senior Cup. The two legged final took on added significance as it was against Heanor Town. The first leg took place at Ilkeston three days before the Gainsborough game when both teams were going for the Midland League title. The Robins won 2-1 but Ralph Brown missed a crucial late penalty. The second game, two days after Ilkeston had been crowned champions, saw Heanor gain revenge by winning an ill tempered affair 3-0. The two matches were watched by a combined attendance of 8,134, a record for a two legged Derbyshire Senior Cup final.

1968/69 REVIEW
Following the team’s success the previous season there were high hopes that they could retain the Midland League championship in 1968/69, especially as all the key players who performed so well since the turn of the year remained. Yet, after 4 league games, The Robins found themselves bottom of the table and without a win.

There was no need to panic, of course, as such a talented team was sure to turn things around and climb the table but already there was little room for error if they were to win the title again. Sure enough results improved, dramatically so, and seven straight league wins - which yielded 27 goals - plus a mini FA Cup run that took them to the third qualifying round suggested that the team was playing better than it had done in the run in to the championship the previous May.

Then came the signs that all was not well. Prolific scorer John Froggatt and Ralph Brown, who ironically had been in his best form ever for Ilkeston, indicated they were unhappy and were looking for a move. In addition Mick Wyld, who was injured in the FA Cup defeat at Buxton, refused to act as a substitute against Barton Town once he regained fitness. Manager Dave Agnew, who had full control of all playing matters, reacted swiftly by suspending him for four weeks but there members of the committee who felt that the punishment did not go far enough. They decided to terminate Wyld’s contract, a decision that appeared to undermine the manager. Club secretary George Brown, who fully backed Agnew, resigned on the issue and it was only when the committee made an about turn and gave the manager their full support on his original decision that matters were sorted out. Brown continued in his role as secretary, Agnew was vindicated, and Wyld suitably punished, but the whole affair left a bad taste and team morale suffered.

There were more problems to follow. Ilkeston had enjoyed a significant rise in attendances during the championship season with the average gate hitting four figures for the first time in the decade. Despite this outgoings were far greater than income and matters came to a head before Christmas. Ralph Brown seemed to have settled his differences with the club whilst Froggatt accepted the fact that the club was willing to sell him if the right offer came along. However, when it was announced that the whole squad would need to take a wage cut for the club to remain viable this threw a new light on matters. In mid January Froggatt left and although he remained in non-League football for a few more seasons he went on to carve out a successful career in the lower divisions of the Football League with Colchester, Port Vale and Northampton. As for Brown he too left, a few weeks after Froggatt’s departure.

It goes without saying that The Robins’ form collapsed during the winter months. Any slim hopes they had of winning the title disappeared as morale dipped dramatically with the loss of Froggatt and reduction in wages. Some remarkably inept performances were a feature of this trying time and a final position below half way seemed likely. It took a desperate 4-0 defeat at Arnold, in the first leg of the Midland League Cup quarter final to shock them back to life. The second leg seemed a foregone conclusion but Ilkeston, valiantly attempting to restore lost pride, stormed into a 3-0 lead just after half time. Sadly, Bob MacAndrew missed a penalty as The Robins threw everything at their rattled opponents but they were unable to force an equaliser. Nevertheless the players left the pitch with their heads held high and the team improved gradually between then and the end of the season.

Part of the reason for the improvement was due to the infectious enthusiasm displayed by some of the previously untried youngsters that Agnew drafted in to stem the tide. Highly promising youngster Steve Tunstall, who had played for Derbyshire Boys, was a centre half with great aerial strength and such potential that he was invited to take part in a trial with England Youth. Towards the end of the season, with Froggatt and Brown gone, he was tried up front with less success and other reserves players were handed opportunities. However, the two newcomers to the first team who made the biggest impression were new signings. Phil Shrewsbury, who had been on loan at Ilkeston a few seasons before, roamed effectively up front and was a particularly good header of a ball. The other signing, Roger Rann, had no shortage of pace and skill and showed great potential on the right hand side of the attack although his greatest success followed in the seasons to come when he developed into a top notch out and out striker.

Longer serving players whose form had dipped made a welcome return to their best. The manager himself, who now doubt was affected by everything that had gone on, was one of them. Mick Jones, Barry Walker, Alan Brown and Terry Thompson were others. Goalkeeper Colin Treharne, the ever reliable defender and Ilkeston Advertiser player of the year Bob MacAndrew and, for all his faults, Mick Wyld were probably the only three who had escaped unscathed during the tempestuous winter months and their levels of performance and commitment had been high all season long. The one big disappointment was John Parry, who had burst onto the scene so spectacularly the previous season. Although he was capable of producing the unexpected and moments of high quality these occurred with much less frequency and he struggled to hold down his place as the season drew to its close.

All in all Ilkeston probably did well to finish sixth but as the season ended there was a feeling of trepidation. The financial situation was precarious and it was expected that some of the more long standing players would leave in search of higher wages. Town were pinning the hopes on joining a proposed new, more lucrative, Midland Premier League in the near future, especially as the Midland Counties League had lost some of its top clubs to the newly formed Northern Premier League. But for the time being they remained members of the Midland Counties League, a league that had long lost its stature of being one of the finest of its kind outside of the Football League.

1969/70 REVIEW
Expectations among the supporters for the 1969/70 season were not that high. Since the turn of the year a number of key players had left such as Ralph Brown, John Froggatt, Terry Thompson and Barry Walker. The latter pair had departed during the close season and all four had played a big part in Town’s championship success in 1967/68. In addition, although still an Ilkeston player at the start of the season, John Parry didn’t feature at all and was soon released after he failed to attend training sessions.

So when Ilkeston won four and drew two of their opening six games it was a welcome but unexpected surprise. It was only after the FA Cup defeat by Northern Premier League Matlock Town that cracks started to appear. Just three points were picked up in eight games and The Robins slipped below half way. One defeat was particularly galling. An albeit superb Alfreton team scored five times in the opening 31 minutes as they romped to a 6-0 victory on the Manor Ground.

Events off the pitch were also causing great uncertainty. The club’s debts were rising to unsustainable levels and it was decided that the only option would be to turn it into a Limited Company. Four businessmen offered to invest a sum close to £1,000 but the club wanted to issue shares to the general public. By December there had been few interested parties and the players had been forced to take a wage cut. Two months later, with debts continuing to rise, it was decided to accept the offer made by John Rann, who became managing director and was the father of Roger, Eric Keeling, who became chairman, Alan Wilson and former Ilkeston committeeman Alf Jackson, who himself was owed a considerable amount of money that he had loaned to the club in the past. The days of the club being run by committee were over.

Player manager Dave Agnew reacted swiftly to turn the team’s fading fortunes around. Terry Thompson made a welcome return to the club and his drive in midfield gave Ilkeston a new dimension. Alongside him was John Coleman, a quietly effective midfielder who developed an eye for goal as the season drew towards its close.

Results generally improved and although the team was inconsistent there were plenty of pleasing performances. One of the newcomers, signed in pre-season, was outstanding. Bob Norris, a crowd pleasing forward who was highly creative and had a long throw. He was more a provider of chances than a finisher, however, but the club did not seem to have a player capable of taking advantage of them. Phil Shrewsbury had great aerial strength but was not a natural finisher either and too often during the first half of the season the team failed to score the goals that their performances warranted. That changed when Agnew switched the forward line around. The talented but inconsistent Roger Rann was moved from an attacking midfield role to play as an out and out striker and he responded in devastating style. A true opportunist he thrived on the opportunities given to him by Norris and the ever effective Alan Brown on the right to help himself to more than thirty league and cup goals. When Brown sadly departed in early 1970 because of the vast amount of travelling he endured to play for the club, Peter Ford replaced him on the wing. Ford, signed in the summer, worked hard but not always effectively in midfield and had lost his place in the team. Like Rann, he thrived in his new role and his ability to deliver an excellent cross meant that the loss of Brown was less damaging than might have been anticipated. Another stalwart from the championship season left around the same time as Brown. The highly physical but vital defender Mick Wyld announced he was looking to go elsewhere although an injury in his final game in January meant that it was some time before he found a taker. Wyld’s departure led to the appearance of the exceptionally promising schoolboy, Dick Smith, who aged 15 became the youngest player ever to play for the club. Showing a maturity that belied his years, and great awareness and strength for someone so young it seemed as if Ilkeston had unearthed an absolute gem.

Although Ilkeston’s forward line had changed dramatically in a short space of time the defence had a familiar look. Colin Treharne in goal was surprisingly lacking in assurance early in the season as mistakes crept into his game but he fought his way back to form and was still a fine ‘keeper. Mick Jones and Agnew missed just five games between them in the full back positions whilst teenager Steve Tunstall, following his brief trial in the forward line at the end of the previous season, emerged as a promising centre half. Although nowhere near the finished article, his lack of experience being apparent at times, he was nevertheless a fine header of a ball and worked well alongside Wyld and, latterly, Smith. Bob MacAndrew was as dependable as ever in the half back line although the form of the aforementioned trio meant that he was no longer certain of a place.

Ilkeston finished in a respectable seventh place and the season will also be remembered for their progress in the inaugural FA Trophy competition, when they reached the first round proper before being beaten by eventual Wembley finalists Telford United.