Spireites and Stags to visit Town Ground in pre-season

The Lions have announced nine summer fixtures in preparation for the start of the 2016/17 campaign with Ilkeston FC, of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier, also lined up before August.

All three will visit the Town Ground. Ilkeston arrive on Thursday, July 21 (7.30pm kick-off), Chesterfield on Thursday, July 28 (7.30pm) and Mansfield Town on Wednesday, August 3 (7.30pm).

Heanor begin their pre-season programme with four away trips to Blidworth Welfare on Saturday, July 9 (3pm), Gresley FC on Thursday, July 14 (7.30pm), Rossington Main on Saturday, July 16 (3pm) and Pinxton FC on Tuesday, July 19 (7.30pm).

Further away days are planned in at Arnold Town on Saturday, July 23 (3pm) and AFC Mansfield on July 30, (3pm) in between matches against Ilkeston, Chesterfield and Mansfield Town.

Meanwhile, Steve Huntington has rejoined the coaching team and will assist manager Glen Clarence, alongside Steve Hamilton.

Clarence said: “I’m delighted Steve has come back, I totally understood his reasons for leaving at the time, but I feel that he has been missed around the place.

“We are going into this campaign with a different outlook and approach to which will be a different but again very strong league.

“I think we have the right balance with both Steve’s working alongside each other and I’m looking forward to the campaign ahead.”

Huntington said: “It was right to leave at the time, it’s now right to come back and finished what we started.

“I love the club and the community and we need to deliver something for them and for us.”

Hamilton added: “I met with Steve Huntington and I have personally met him for the first time and after a healthy and open discussion we are pleased to have him back on board the management team.

“We’ve put some plans and guidelines in place and I look forward to working with him next season.”

It happened just days after it was announced first team coach John Shepherd has left the club with immediate effect. Shepherd said: “I want to thank everyone from the gate man through to the chairman for their support. Unfortunately, due to personal reasons I can’t commit for the season ahead.

“I wish everyone associated with the club all the best, there are so many exciting things in the future for Heanor Town FC. I’ll still be looking for the Heanor result each week.”

Clarence added: “We’re sad to see Bravo leave, he is a great coach with a good future ahead of him.”

- Heanor Town are looking for a match reporter for the 2016/17 season. If this role interests you then please contact Tony Squires at [email protected], or contact through the club’s Facebook page by Friday, June 10.