We are delighted to announce our first two signings of the summer.
Goalkeeper Matt Yates has signed having most recently been with Gainsborough Trinity, while midfielder Jordan Hallam returns to the Robins following a loan spell from Scunthorpe United last season and having been released by The Iron at the end of the campaign.
Matt, 24, began his career at Derby County where he also became an England youth international, playing for both the U16s and U17s.
Whilst with the Rams he had loan spells with Gloucester City, Hereford and Telford United, before moving permanently to Gainsborough Trinity in 2021 and becoming a firm favourite with the Lincolnshire club.
Having helped Trinity to the NPL play-offs last season, he has now opted for pastures new and we welcome him to the Microlise New Manor Ground.
Jordan, also 24, scored twice in six appearances for the Robins last season having signed on loan in February.
He made a strong impression on Ilkeston fans in his short spell with the club, which was ultimately ended by injury, but he’ll be a key addition to Jamie Ward’s squad for the new campaign.
Both players have signed one-year deals.
Player-boss Ward says he’s delighted to bring both players to the club.
He said: “We know how good a player Jordan is from when he was with us before. It’s important we keep him fit and we know what kind of contribution he will make to the team. He can create goals, he can score goals, and he also has a great attitude and work ethic.
“With Matty Yates, we were looking for a goalkeeper with good Northern Premier League experience and who has done well in the division.
“Last season he kept 15 clean sheets and he is more than capable of playing with his feet too, which was obviously one of the big plusses for us as we want a goalkeeper who can play football as well as keep the ball out of the net with his hands.”