Ilkeston Town Football Club, nicknamed “The Robins,” is a non-league football club based in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.
Established in 1970, they currently compete in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division, which is part of the seventh tier of English football. The team calls New Manor Ground their home ground.
History
Formed in 1945, Ilkeston Town initially competed in the Notts & Derby Senior League, quickly marking their presence by winning the Derbyshire Divisional Cup within just two years. Their success continued with additional cup victories in 1951 and 1952. Transitioning to the Central Alliance League in 1947, they demonstrated consistent excellence by securing the championship title four years in a row from 1952 to 1955. The subsequent move to the Midlands League in 1961 eventually bore fruit in 1968 with a league championship win.
Financial challenges in the mid-1980s led to a takeover by businessman Paul Millership, stabilizing the club’s situation and facilitating a move to the West Midlands Regional League in 1990. Despite an initial setback due to inadequate facilities, they swiftly addressed these issues, achieving promotion and winning the league in the 1993/94 season. Their progress continued in the Southern League, achieving promotion to the Premier Division, though they faced relegation shortly after. The 1997/98 season was particularly notable, with a strong league finish and an impressive FA Cup run, including a notable performance against Scunthorpe United and the sale of Francis Green to Peterborough United.
The turn of the millennium saw Ilkeston claim their first league victory over a Football League side, defeating Carlisle United. Despite subsequent managerial changes and notable figures like John McGovern and John McGinley taking the helm, the club faced relegation in the 2002/03 season.
Legal
Ilkeston Town FC Limited is a registered company in England and Wales under company number 10845327 .
Alumni
Former players and managers elsewhere in the non-league pyramid