1975/76 REVIEW
Against a backdrop of uncertainty where it seemed that the local council was calling for Town’s eviction from the Manor Ground, almost on a monthly basis throughout 1975 because of four figure rent arrears, manager Derek Chamberlain somehow fashioned the club’s best season on the pitch for several years. Fortunately, the club had sufficient numbers of friends on the council to avoid being kicked off the ground and Chamberlain’s efforts were not in vain. Eviction would have led to the club’s closure almost certainly.
The Summer of 1975 saw the manager trying to piece together a team for the 1975/76 season that would at least be competitive in the Midland Counties League. Having taken charge in the Spring, Chamberlain’s young and very inexperienced team had suffered badly on the pitch towards the end of the 1974/75 season and he knew it needed strengthening to avoid a season of desperate struggles, especially as key defender Kevin Rawson and midfielder Kevin Flynn had left the club. He signed a new goalkeeper in Stan Foster, much more experienced than the promising Keith Selwood who had been thrown in at the deep end a few months earlier. Yet despite Foster’s relative maturity he started badly and didn’t improve significantly. When he became the club’s first goalkeeper ever to be sent off, against Heanor in October, his subsequent suspension paved the way for Selwood’s return to the team. Selwood grasped the opportunity and made huge strides during the season. Other newcomers included left back Paul Green, central defender Steve Renshaw, and the small but nippy, energetic and enthusiastic midfielder Andy Simpson who had good dead ball skills. Renshaw went on to have an excellent season, a model of consistency and dominant in the heart of the defence. In addition, former favourite Steve Tunstall was signed to bolster the heart of the defence but he left after only a few weeks stating that the move was a mistake and the club was going nowhere. Another former player, John Parry, who had arrived earlier in the year but had not featured in the first team upon his return was to play his part adding skill and occasional moments of brilliance down the left hand side. Finally, Dick Kalasiak, who could play as an attacking midfielder or as an out and out striker who was a good reader of the game, was also signed. Kalasiak had done well against Ilkeston in years gone by.
Of the players who appeared regularly towards the end of the 1974/75 season, only full back and vastly experienced, industrious captain John Anthony, plus the highly promising tall young central defender/centre forward Roger Dawkins featured prominently early in 1975/76 although Dick Smith, still in his early twenties but with many games under his belt, soon returned to the team in midfield after sustaining a broken arm at home during pre-season. Meanwhile the skilful utility player Dick King left early in the season as he was relocating to the London area.
The new look team fared no better than the youngsters they replaced and there was certainly no indication of the transformation that would take place later in the season. Despite an excellent win over champions to be Eastwood Town, Ilkeston were in the bottom two in mid November with just two wins from 14 league games to their name, and were out of both the FA Cup and FA Trophy. Chamberlain’s record of 4 wins from his first 35 games in charge was not an enviable one.
And then it all changed, dramatically so. Despite being knocked out of the Derbyshire Senior Cup by Buxton Ilkeston gave their Northern Premier League opponents two very tough games. The performances seemed to give the players a lift; however, at the same time Chamberlain made changes to the team and it was probably for that reason that the season was turned around. The arrival of hard working midfielder Dennis Webster allowed Smith to move into a full back role in place of Green who was destined not to have a future at the club. However, the reintroduction of youngster Dick Fleckney into the heart of the defence was a masterstroke. A complete revelation Fleckney produced a string of performances that belied his years and his presence allowed Chamberlain to push Dawkins forward to add height and power to a misfiring attack. Just as the turnaround got underway Chamberlain signed John Limb, a player who added craft and guile up front, but more importantly, he scored goals on a regular basis.
Suddenly, from being a team lacking in ideas and confidence, Ilkeston became one of the best teams in the league playing a brand of positive football that pleased the eye whilst defending with great determination where necessary. A stunning 4-0 win at Sutton Town in January was followed by a 2-1 win at Bridlington Trinity, who finished fifth, the following month. A Limb inspired 4-2 win against Long Eaton United, then in second place, showed how far the team had come by early March. The signs were that The Robins could finish in the top seven if they could maintain such form that had seen them lose just once in 13 league games after losing 9 of the opening 14. However, a tough run of fixtures at the end of the season meant they fell 4 points short of seventh place and had to settle for a final position of eleventh. Nevertheless they still managed a couple of noteworthy wins at the end of the season. A remarkable comeback at Arnold earned them a 4-3 victory and wrecked the home side’s title hopes whilst the 1-0 victory against Alfreton robbed them of third place.
After several years of sharp decline and a critical financial situation Derek Chamberlain had managed to create a good team out of nowhere and for the first time in a considerable period it appeared as if the club had better times ahead.
1976/77 REVIEW
The steady progress made by Ilkeston in 1975/76 gave grounds for optimism for the season ahead but the loss of four key players during the close season robbed the club of much needed experience and knowhow. Perhaps the biggest loss was that of Steve Renshaw, because of travelling difficulties, whose commanding performances kept Town solid at the back. Not only was the club deprived of the services of one of the best central defenders in the Midland Counties League but also they were hit by the departure of the vastly experienced captain and versatile defender John Anthony who left in a dispute over wages. However, it wasn’t just in defence that The Robins had voids to fill. John Limb and Ian Muir, both of whom could be relied upon to get their share of goals, also went.
Manager Derek Chamberlain was therefore left with a squad primarily built of teenagers, Andy Simpson, Dennis Webster, John Parry, Dick Kalasiak and Dick Smith apart, but the need to bring in new players was hampered by the club’s stringent wage policy. As it was he was only able to bring in two players of note. Neil Rodwell, a prolific scorer in the Midland Counties League for several years and a frequent thorn in Ilkeston’s side, was signed so the loss of Muir and Limb in particular was less acute. However Rodwell, despite scoring regularly during the first half of the season, had injury problems and regularly had to be substituted. As the season progressed the goals dried up and his fitness was so problematic that he was forced to announce his retirement a few weeks before the season’s end. The other signing, Ian Harding, a promising defender, came as Anthony’s replacement. He missed the few weeks of the season through injury himself, but once in the side he quickly established himself as a classy player who enjoyed going forward and he had a good shot.
It can be stated without fear of contradiction that Ilkeston took a step back in 1976/77. They spent almost the entire season in the lower reaches of the table although occasional victories were enough to keep them far away enough from the bottom two clubs. What was frustrating was the team’s ability to play extremely well on occasions, such as the 7-1 destruction of Heanor Town, wins over leading clubs, Arnold and Long Eaton United, and the elimination of strong Northern Premier League side Buxton from the Derbyshire Senior Cup. However, their shaky defence and the hardworking but limited midfield meant that the team was always vulnerable and there were some heavy defeats along the way such as the 7-1 defeat at Eastwood Town.
Ilkeston began the season with young Keith Selwood, who had made big strides during 1975/76, in goal. He continued to impress at times but inconsistency dogged him and he was involved in a player exchange midway through the season. Steve Rann, brother of former Ilkeston forward Roger, came in the opposite direction but made little difference, looking suspect under pressure although he justified his selection with some fine saves. The full back positions early on were filled by Smith and Simpson but the former left the club in early Autumn whilst Simpson was not a success in the role and was soon moved back into a more familiar midfield role. Harding moved into the left back position but the right back role was not adequately filled until Nick Jarvis, a young classy defender who looked capable of playing at a higher level, joined in late November.
However, Ilkeston’s real defensive problems were in the centre despite the presence of the highly talented and promising youngsters Dick Fleckney and Roger Dawkins. Individually they were good players but their combined lack of experience meant they sometimes struggled as a pairing. There was no doubting Fleckney’s ability, however, and he was frequently watched by scouts. Able to operate either as an orthodox central defender or as a sweeper his game progressed to such a degree that he was awarded the player of the year trophy at the season’s end. As for Dawkins, he left midway through the season to concentrate on a family business. Phil Barrowcliffe, son of the legendary Geoff, arrived as his replacement and Harding was given a run in the heart of the defence later in the season and did well. This left a gap at left back and this was filled by another youngster, reserves player and brother of Clyde, Tony Downie, and he proved that he was ready for the step up.
Ilkeston’s lack of quality in midfield was also a stumbling block. Captain Dennis Webster and Simpson were wholehearted but limited and both came in for criticism from supporters as did the veteran Kalasiak who often saved his best work for when he played up front. Parry, the most skilful player on the books, was unable to produce his best form often enough and spent chunks of the season in the reserves. Meanwhile, right winger Clyde Downie, a youngster with potential and genuine pace was given opportunities but it was unfair to ask a player still at school to perform to his best week in week out and he too was moved back to the reserves to regain form. To try to give the team a more creative edge Chamberlain signed Steve Slater in the early Autumn. He was an unqualified success, and to begin with his wing play was utilised to the full by Rodwell but what could have been a great partnership evaporated when Rodwell’s injuries took their toll. Nevertheless Slater was a great assett and his ability to create chances or run in to meet crosses from the other wing gave the team something that had been lacking.
As Rodwell’s physical condition deteriorated Kalasiak was reintroduced to the attack and he was partnered by Steve Taylor, a young player promoted from the reserves who had a fantastic debut but who ultimately showed that he had potential whilst not being the finished article. Neither Kalasiak nor Taylor were able to score at the kind of rate that Rodwell had and as a consequence Ilkeston became less potent up front as the season headed towards its close.
When the season ended it was difficult to have high hopes for the future. To describe the club as being cash strapped would have been an understatement and although some individuals had performed creditably the general lack of consistency suggested that nothing but seasons of struggle on the pitch lay ahead.
1977/78 REVIEW
The 1977/78 season was one of the lowest points in the club’s history. There was no automatic promotion and relegation to and from the Midland Counties League Premier Division although the bottom two clubs each season had to apply for re-election. Ilkeston escaped such indignity by default due to the resignation of Clifton All Whites midway through the season. They finished 16th out of 17 clubs having been in bottom spot for most of the season and going into the final week their fate was by no means certain.
Many, including several people at the club, blamed manager Derek Chamberlain for the team’s poor show. Poor tactics, team selection and training methods were cited. But there was sympathy for him too. Chamberlain had to work with the lowest wages budget in the league and a squad of players that included plenty with little experience or the ability to compete successfully in the Midland Counties League. There was no question that the manager worked extremely hard for the club and it was certainly a job that most would have found extremely challenging.
The players also had to shoulder some responsibility. For most of the season they worked hard but too often the team was poor and uninspiring, and there were occasions, such as in the defeats at Heanor and Sutton, where their commitment and pride were called into question. During an arduous winter, which ironically led to a number of postponements that led to the games in hand that allowed Ilkeston to climb above Kimberley towards the end of the season, a number of players didn’t bother to attend training sessions. One player, Nick Jarvis, usually a dependable defender, was dropped from the team in April for putting his Sunday team ahead of The Robins, an accusation that was levelled at several others. When Town declined to take part in the annual Ilkeston Hospital Cup competition because of the number of games they had to play in the closing weeks, seven players with regular first team experience played in the competition anyway, for Flowerpot FC.
There were some exceptions, of course. New signing Alan Newton, the brother of Derby and Nottingham Forest star Henry, took over as captain from Dennis Webster early in the season and served the club well, as did the Downie brothers and Dick Fleckney. New goalkeeper Steve Bunting, despite conceding more goals than any other goalkeeper in the league, impressed greatly with his agility and deservedly won the player of the year award. And midfield player Peter Malone, who was introduced into the team in late September, was something of a find.
The problem for Ilkeston was that there were weaknesses, apart from the possible exception of the goalkeeper, all over the pitch. However, the biggest area for concern was up front where no one filled the void left by Neil Rodwell. Dick Kalasiak, who quit the first team in March to manage the reserves; Keith Alexander, a striker with promise but lacking the composure in front of goal that experience brings; and Paul Marshall managed just one goal between them in a total of 50 outings. The top scoring striker was Keith Bishop and three of his four goals came in the last two matches of the season. The tall local young forward Mick Slaney did look to be a fine prospect, however, whilst Steve Taylor, who showed potential during the previous season, left the club early in the season but did return in April.
The midfield areas were also a concern, particularly in the central positions. The tireless Webster quit Saturday football early in the season, the skilful and experienced John Parry left in September, and Andy Simpson was so out of touch and short of confidence that he asked to be dropped and never returned to the side. Other players were brought in and included the aforementioned Malone and Andy Rice who joined in late September. Rice made a superb debut in Town’s 5-3 win at Retford Town, their first victory of the season, but injury kept him out of the team for the next few weeks and he only played well in patches thereafter. Arguably the best player in midfield was Tony Downie who combined clever football with a high work rate. Brother Clyde also had a good season out on the left wing, his pace bringing excitement to the fans, and he enjoyed a purple patch in the second half of the season to finish as top scorer with 11 goals. However, Ilkeston sorely missed winger Steve Slater who relocated to the West Midlands after the 1976/77 season was over. Ironically one player the club signed who could have served them well in midfield was the tenacious Brian Rowlands but he was used as a full back where there was a shortage due to the departures of Ian Harding, Phil Barrowcliffe and the soon to return Nick Jarvis during the close season. Jarvis, who had plenty of ability to match his reliability, fulfilled a number of midfield and defensive roles throughout the season upon his return.
Rowlands, at left back, and Newton opposite him began the season in the full back positions but the former left midway through the season because he found the travelling to training sessions from his Lincolnshire home too arduous. Newton, meanwhile, sometimes played in midfield or up front during the second half of the season in a bid to plug the gaps and there was no doubt that the club was fortunate to have his presence. Without Rowlands and Newton at full back Derek Chamberlain turned to his son Roger, who had some good games without truly establishing himself, and the promising Rob Wheatley but both were young and inexperienced.
Ilkeston looked set to be strong in central defence when they re-signed former favourite Steve Renshaw in the close season to play alongside Fleckney. Renshaw, rated as one of the best central defenders in the Midland Counties League left after a few weeks because of a better offer elsewhere, however, and Chamberlain was forced to bring in young reserve Les Parker. Strong and determined Parker showed promise with some good performances but there were occasions when his lack of experience let him down. Fleckney, meanwhile, whilst not at his best was a valued member of the side and there were a few occasions when Chamberlain played him up front or in midfield although he seemed to be at his most effective in the heart of the defence. He was missed when he was suspended for two months in the early winter because of disciplinary issues whilst playing Sunday football. The highly promising Danny Anderson got a few opportunities at the back or in midfield when Fleckney or Parker were absent but he, like so many others, lacked consistency.
Chamberlain’s 1977/78 team sadly ranks as one of the worst in the club’s history and much was down to the chronic shortage of experience, combined with the lack of finances to sign better players. Nevertheless, the manager is judged by results and the club lost patience. Shortly after announcing his desire to search for a much needed striker Derek Chamberlain was sacked, three weeks into the close season.
1978/79 REVIEW
A remarkable transformation took place after the trials and tribulations of the previous season and the reason for this was down to one man. Bill Fearn, an enthusiastic and forceful character, was appointed as manager in June and his beliefs were held in discipline and organisation. He immediately set about his task with zest and as a result the team was virtually unrecognisable from the previous season.
Money was as tight as ever but Fearn brought in a number of players and backroom staff whom he felt he could trust. Many of the players had played only at a lower level but they had the correct mentality. Anyone who did not fit in with Fearn's ethics would not last long as he created a team that was no longer defeatist and rarely gave anything less than total commitment. Most of the squad he inherited were swiftly moved on and of those who remained only Dick Fleckney, Les Parker and Steve Taylor played frequently.
The team was far from brilliant but at least it was competitive. Apart from a poor run of 9 league games without a win that swiftly followed a promising start, they generally held their own and the prospect of having to apply for re-election was never an issue. The main problems Fearn faced were the lack of a player capable of scoring on a regular basis and a shortage of creativity in midfield. These challenges were addressed, however, in mid season and the team began to score goals far more frequently and notched up some emphatic victories in the process, not least the stunning 5-0 win at Arnold at Christmas and the thrashings of Louth United and Appleby Frodingham. An impressive win against Mexborough was also recorded, a victory that put an end to their title hopes, but Ilkeston's results were inconsistent unlike their high work rate. Sadly, the club never got a chance to take on bigger teams because they forgot to enter the FA Cup and FA Trophy.
There were plenty of new signings ahead of the season. Experienced goalkeeper Chris Fuller was brought in and he was an ever present until late in the season when injury led to the introduction of reserve Bob Henshaw. Steve Freer was introduced at right back and was appointed captain although his inability to attend all training sessions led to his departure in the new year. He was replaced by hard tackling Paul Wheatley, brother of Rob whose chances were so limited that he left the club, who progressed nicely. Sometimes Wheatley appeared on the opposite flank as another newcomer Steve Willis lost form and spent time with the reserves. Parker was then used as Wheatley's partner, switching from his usual position in central defence. Fleckney was the other central defender for much of the season although a suspension incurred from Sunday football gave young Clive Smith a chance. Smith showed promise but he was inexperienced; nevertheless he showed an aptitude for hard work and his versatility enabled Fearn to play him up front for a time which Smith adapted to with a degree of success. Young, tall, strong and promising Steve Szep was also given a run in central defence, particularly when Fleckney was asked to carry out midfield duties, and he made good progress. The midfield was bolstered by the tall, tough tackling and experienced Alan Green who packed a good shot and was something of a dead ball expert. Green had a fine season and ended it with winning the player of the year award. Two wide men also joined, the experienced Richard Pallister and the younger John Hobster, although a lengthy injury to the latter restricted his appearances. Young hard working Pat Galligan also arrived and he showed potential when he was promoted from the reserves later in the season.
Ilkeston's failure to score enough goals to begin with led to the arrival of several players during the Autumn. Mick Slaney, Kevin Bishop and Taylor had managed just 8 goals between them in the first 14 games. Gary Freer, Steve's brother, was brought in but although he looked the part the end product wasn't there and he too left the club for his failure to regularly attend training. Other Fearn signings were more successful, however. Impish winger Charlie Lavelle, although at times frustrating, was tremendous on his day and helped provide more openings whilst the experienced and highly skilled John Parry returned to the club to enjoy one of his best seasons for several years. However, the key signing was that of his much younger brother, Jeff, who thrilled supporters with his exciting runs, skill and excellent finishing. Unsurprisingly the pair struck up a great understanding. While it would have been wholly inaccurate to describe Ilkeston as a one man team there was no doubt that Jeff Parry's arrival turned the side from being hard to beat to one that was capable of beating anyone on their day.
Ilkeston finished the season below half way but they also had something to build on. Fearn was confident that he could take the team further and be challenging near the top with a few minor adjustments. For the first time in a while Ilkeston Town fans had a future to look forward to.
1979/80 REVIEW
There was a good deal of optimism around the club as the 1979/80 season approached. All of the key players who had taken the club forward during the previous season had re-signed and manager Bill Fearn had further strengthened his squad with several new signings. Only two of them were to play much of a part, however. Full back Bob Riley appeared regularly during the first half of the season and could operate on either flank, as could his rivals for a place in the team Jimmy Webb and Paul Wheatley who were already at the club. The best signing was Jim Baker, a tall and dominant central defender who was appointed as captain and who forged a tremendous partnership with Clive Smith in the heart of the defence. Baker went on to win the Player of the Year award.
The season began with a superb 4-0 win against Retford Town, Ilkeston's best opening day result for over twenty years and the optimism appeared to be justified. But sadly that was to be about as good as it got. For all the hard work and commitment of the players overall performances were inconsistent during the first three months. At one stage Ilkeston went four games without a goal but this run was soon followed by a tremendous 4-0 win at Arnold. Despite their ups and downs The Robins had managed to open a two point gap at the top of the table by late November. The position was a false one as the chasing pack all had games in hand but after years of struggle it was a nice position to be in. Town needed to start stringing some wins together, however, if they were to finish the season amongst the leading clubs which was Fearn's stated aim.
One man did not make the team but his worth became apparent when he went on a month's trial before signing permanently signing for Nottingham Forest. Jeff Parry had been in magnificent form. His pace, skill and finishing ability was too much for many Midland League defences and he was the League's top scorer when he left Ilkeston in late November. He was to be sorely missed. Following his departure Ilkeston won only two of their remaining 15 league games, only managing to score a paltry 12 goals. They were never outclassed, their organisation and discipline making them a tough team to beat, but they lacked potency up front without the Parry threat. The deal with Forest was a good one for Ilkeston, however. The sale went through at £4,000, then a club record, with the promise of more to come if Parry broke into the Forest first team. The transfer did much to ease the financial burden the club had endured for the best part of a decade.
Parry's departure caused Fearn problems as he sought in vain for an adequate replacement. A number of players were tried and eventually former player Carl Francis, who rejoined in January, was given an extended run in the team but he was incapable of scoring goals at the same rate. Alongside him was Jeff's brother John, by now a highly skilled player of great experience. John Parry had been in the team throughout the season apart from missing a few games early on when he was plagued with hamstring problems and he finished as second top scorer behind his younger brother with 9 league goals.
Ilkeston's midfield usually contained the tall Alan Green and Dick Fleckney who had previously spent most of his Ilkeston career up front or more frequently in central defence. Such was Fleckney's ability that he could play anywhere but some questionned as to whether or not he was best suited to midfield. With Baker and Smith performing so well at the back Fleckney was the obvious choice to play in central midfield, however, as the club could ill afford to lose someone with such ability and flexibility. Out wide on the right the fit again Charlie Lavelle showed his skill and work rate but his lack of commitment to the club was his downfall and he was released in the Autumn. In his place came the promising Tony Fazekas who had a decent season without reaching his full potential. The left side was more problematic, however, with a number of players - including Chris Beardsley, Alan Henshaw, the direct Tommy Anderson and the skilful Richard Pallister who left early in the season - handed opportunities that they were unable to take. Late in the season Fearn gave the highly rated teenager Brian Clarence the chance to shine and he impressed greatly in midfield and up front, fitting effortlessly into the team. Another young player to be handed his debut as the season drew to a close was defender Paul Gregory who in time became a great servant to the club.
Bob Henshaw's performances in goal progressed nicely during the early weeks of the season and the more experienced 'keeper Chris Fuller left in September, unable to regain his place in the team. Martin Rhowbotham was signed as his replacement and he took over from Henshaw midway through the season and kept his place for the remainder of it.
With the season about to end the club and its supporters were hit by a bombshell. Bill Fearn, ever the disciplinarian, chose to suspend five players who had put a Sunday team ahead of training for Ilkeston Town. The manager clearly felt that he needed to send out a strong message to the rest of the squad but his decision did not meet with total approval from some committee members. Feeling that he no longer had the backing of the club Fearn tendered his resignation on April 12th, a few hours before the final home game of the season was due to kick off. Despite the disappointment of finishing below half way the club had made tremendous strides forward on the pitch during the previous couple of years under Fearn. Now he was set to leave the club under a cloud yet he showed great integrity and loyalty at the end by agreeing to stay on until the season was complete. The club was about to lose the man who had turned the team from lightweights into a highly competitive unit.