Ilkeson Town chairman reasssures fans that club project is set to continue

Ilkeston Town chairman Mark Clifford says work to transform the club’s pitch will take place as soon as the season officially ends.
Mark Clifford says Ilkeston's long-term plans will continue as normal.Mark Clifford says Ilkeston's long-term plans will continue as normal.
Mark Clifford says Ilkeston's long-term plans will continue as normal.

It will see a state-of-the-art 3G pitch installed at the New Manor Ground as part of a plan to create a long-term sustainable revenue stream.

“This will be a great thing for the club and community meaning our junior teams, ladies, academy, vets and first-team can train and play at the NMG on a more regular basis,” said Clifford.

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“It also creates revenue for additional bookings to ensure the long term sustainability of the club is achieved as was always the model when we took ownership of the club.”

Clifford also moved to reassure fans that the club would not be affected if current investor David Hilton be successful in his bid to revive Bury FC.

The reformed Bury currently play in the NWCFL after the previous club went out of business, with Hilton keen to help the club get back up the football pyramid.

Clifford added: “I have sought assurances to ensure the Ikeston project remains in his plans.

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“Without hesitation, David assured me that the project will be completed as promised.

“As investors at Ilkeston David and Andrew (Nally) have been very hands on and this shows in what is a revitalised New Manor Ground.

“Since their arrival not only has the ground had the makeover they have listened to what is needed to make the football club thrive through local young talent.

“We have launched an academy who had a great run in the FA Youth Cup.

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“We have an U23 team playing at step seven and competing very well for a team of 16-18 year olds.

“We have a plan to bring through young homegrown and hungry players that not only can play for our first team but to go beyond that to the higher levels of Non-league and of course into the professional game.

“This is still the very beginning of the journey for ITFC under this stewardship and we fully expect to deliver on the promises made both on and off the pitch.”

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