2007/08 - Club Committee

A Brief History

Mickleover Sports FC was originally founded in 1948 as Mickleover Old Boys playing in the Derby & District Senior League. For 44 years they remained as the oldest serving club until their resignation in 1993. In an ambitious campaign the club raised more than £35,000 to develop facilities at Station Road , work beginning in 1992 and formally opened later that year.

With new facilities the club's ambitions were widened and the appointment of Tony Shaw coincided with an application to join the Central Midlands League in 1993 and a finish of 6 th that season. Sports were promoted to the Supreme Division in 1994/95 under Paul Spray & Billy O'Connor. Tony appointed Mark Kelsey for the 96/97 season which saw a 6 th spot in the Supreme Division.

Meanwhile, off the pitch the facilities were gradually developing. Post and rails were put round the pitch and hard standing with a small covered stand was installed. The first major facility the club needed to progress was Floodlights which after fundraising of £30,000 were erected in 1997. The club had established a Junior policy and the next stage was to provide a Junior Football pitch on the adjacent field, in addition, building a new changing facility - referees room, home & away changing rooms. With the help of a National Lottery grant these were completed along with main sewerage and re-surfacing of the car park.

Back on the pitch 1997/98 saw Sports finish third and the following year they were crowned CML Supreme Division champions. This season also saw Sports first venture in the FA VASE as they won 5 games before going out in controversial circumstances to eventual finalists Bedlington Terriers. Winning 3-0 with 14 minutes remaining, the Floodlights failed and after being found guilty of tampering at an FA enquiry they were ordered to play the game again at Mickleover which was won by Bedlington 2-0, leaving a bitterly disappointed Sports.

The club were promoted to THE NORTHERN COUNTIES EAST LEAGUE and Sports erected a further stand, increased hard standing and erected a 6' fence around the ground. 1999, 2000 in their first season finished fourth, reached the semi final of the Derbyshire Senior Cup, and the third round of the FA Vase. The next season Sports finished third and reached the 4 th round of the FA Vase. The next season was disappointing in that the club finished 5 th but exited all cup competitions early. Mark Kelsey, did a fine job in 7 seasons at the club, moved on and was replaced by ex Belper manager Martin Rowe.

Martin began 2003/03 with a squad bolstered by several signings with Unibond experience which was to prove vital. In a great first season Sports were crowned Northern Counties East Division 1 Champions and for good measure added the Wilkinson Sword Trophy - the Division 1 league cup, reached the Derbyshire Senior Cup Final for the first time and the third round of the FA Vase.

Sports were promoted to the Premier Division having to build a 280 seater stand to satisfy ground grading first. The season 2006/07 began with Martin Rowe  being replaced by Dick Pratley as Manager. Dick led the team to its highest ever position (7th) in the Premier League and a trophy - the League Cup which was won after extra time and penalties.

This season will begin with a new Chairman, Rick Palmer and a new Commercial Manager Colin Tunnicliffe, two people who we are certain will take us to another level. Dick is hoping to keep most of last season's squad and make additional signings to challenge for promotion.