Rough Guide to the Dr. Marten's League

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"The Robins"
Ilkeston Town
New Manor Ground
Awsworth Road, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8JF
Tel: (0115) 932 4094     Clubcall: 0891 664 253
Ground capacity: 3,000     Seats: 306

 

The second most Northerly outpost of the Dr. Marten's League, and a suitably "grim up North" setting, bearing similarities to Gresley Rovers' home town of Swadlincote - right down to the strange local dialect (for "Greezly" read "Illson") and the dry ski-slope (now closed) near the ground. Ilkeston is also situated in Derbyshire but more of a satellite town for Nottingham. Newish ground of a similar vintage to Gloucester's (built in the mid-80's) but you might not think so to look at it - though some redevelopment work has been carried out since the Robins last appeared in the DMPL. More improvements are scheduled, as millionaire Chairman Paul Millership continues to pump money into the club -part of an ambitious drive to bring Conference and ultimately League football to the town.

After winning promotion as runners-up to Grantham in the 97-98 season, the Robins acheived a very creditable third place last campaign, and look set to make their stay in the Premier Division permanent this time round.

Not the most welcoming place to visit, nor the easiest to get to (it's on the edge of some kind of industrial estate, over a little humpback bridge by the canal). You may also find yourself being abused by some of the less friendly locals, so check out this site on Ilkeston dialect so you can understand what they're saying!

Stuff to do:

Visit Paul Bednall's Ilkeston Page for a rundown on the place, and this page on Ilkeston dialect.

Famous people?

Robert Lindsay of "Citizen Smith" fame is actually President of the club, and "Ken Barlow" actor William "not boring at all, and if you call me that I'll sue" Roache is also an Ilkeston  fan. (It would be nice to see him wearing his red & white Robins scarf in Rita's shop.)
On the air: BBC Radio Derby on 104.5 FM & 1116 MW bring you Robins match reports
On the net: Andrew Golds'  Ilkeston Town website  is the only place to go for Ilson info

Directions:

The New Manor Ground is situated in an area called Cotmanhay, next to the Erewash canal, quite close to a now defunct dry ski slope, on the Awsworth Road.


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