Top Scorer & Keeper Staying On

Last season’s leading scorer Andy Dales and goalkeeper Jonathan Hedge are the latest players to pen-to-paper for Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central newcomers Mickleover and the forthcoming season.

Dales, a former Derby County junior, is in his second spell at the Don Amott Arena after joining Scunthorpe United following a successful 2017/18 season when he scored 23 goals in Sports colours.

The 27-year-old pacey attacking midfielder was also loaned out to Dundee and Hamilton Academicals before returning to Mickleover for the 2020/21 season and has been capped at England C level.

Dales said: “I’m delighted to sign another year at Mickleover. The club really is heading in the right direction, and I think we will have a great chance this year. The coaching staff here are the best you’re going to get and that can only help me improve more as a player.”

Manager John McGrath added: “Delighted to announce that we have retained Andy for the upcoming 2022/23 season. In my opinion he is a player who can still play in the Football League. Bundles of ability and I am really looking forward to working closely with again this coming season.

Former Rotherham United goalkeeper Jonathan Hedge has also re-signed for Mickleover for their first season in the Southern League.

The experienced 33-year-old has also played at Halifax Town, Ossett Town, Harrogate Town and Cambridge United among others and joined Sports from Sheffield FC for the second half of last season.

His is also an experienced goalkeeping coach, was capped at England C level and his leadership from the back played a major part in Mickleover’s climb up the table.

Hedge said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at the club since joining at Christmas. It’s a good club that’s run by good people. We have a great group of lads, and it was an easy decision for me to stay. Hopefully this coming season we can continue our fine form that we showed towards the end of last season.”

McGrath added: “Hedgey played an integral part I our great form towards the end of the season. He has been a really important singing for us, and I am delighted that he has committed to another season with us. He is a leader and a winner and sets our standards both on the pitch and in the dressing room”.

Peter Scherer