Bermuda Hogges Link Up With Ilkeston F.C
The Bermuda Hogges organization have agreed to link up with Evo-Stick Premier League club, Ilkeston F.C.
The relationship has been developed over the past 12 months due to the connection between Hogges owners, Paul Scope and Kyle Lightbourne, and officials at Ilkeston. Ilkeston Commercial Director Nigel Harrop is a former Bermuda resident and a friend of Paul Scope, while Ilkeston manager Kevin Wilson was a striker partner of Mr Lightbourne’s during their Walsall days.
Paul Scope said, “Both Kyle and I think Ilkeston are a great club for Bermudian players to look at. It is the right level for most of our top players to establish themselves before looking at higher clubs. The Evo-Stick is the old Northern Premier League and only three steps below the English Division 2, where Nahki Wells plays for Bradford City”.
Ilkeston F.C. have plans to go “full time” professional and have the ambition to get into the Football League.
Mr Scope continued, “Antwan Russell is joining Ilkeston this week and could feature in Thursday’s home game against Buxton or the home game on Saturday versus North Ferriby. Due to several weather postponements, the games will be coming thick and fast and Antwan should gain valuable experience in this very tough league. He has all the attributes to make a good impression and under the guidance of Kevin Wilson and Darren Caskey, he will undoubtedly improve during his 6 week spell in Derbyshire.”
“Ilkeston F.C. is ideally situated between Football League Championship Clubs, Nottingham Forest and Derby County with League one Notts County and League Two Burton Albion and Chesterfield F.C not far away. Good performances for Ilkeston will not go unnoticed.”
“Another Hogges player, Lejuan Simmons, has been training at Ilkeston for a few months and has turned out for the reserve and academy teams. There will actually be three Bermudian players at Ilkeston F.C. this week with Donte Leverock invited up for trials from his London base.
“Donte also played for the Hogges and we are working hard to give Hogges players the opportunity to play professionally overseas as past Hogges players, Nahki Wells and Freddy Hall, have done.”
“Kyle is going over to assist the coaches at Walsall for the remainder of the season and will be sure to visit Ilkeston to meet up with Kevin Wilson and his staff.
Mr Scope continued, “I was just there last week and met the Chairman, Dave Mantle. It was my fourth visit to Ilkeston in a year and the relationship has developed into an official link between Ilkeston F.C. And Bermuda Hogges F.C.”
“Dave Mantle is a Principal in SR Education who run educational programmes, including the Premiership quality, Ilkeston F.C. Academy situated at the New Manor Ground. Dave has offered up to 5 places per year for young Bermudian players aged between 16 to 18.
“Kyle and I are delighted with this development with Ilkeston which adds to our established relationships with Barnet F.C and Walsall. This will expand the opportunities for Bermudian players overseas which is a big part of the Bermuda Hogges plans.”
