Ilkeston Town are delighted to confirm the appointments of (Right) Rich Allen as Lead Analyst & First Team Coach, and Louis Minney (Left) as First Team Coach.
The pair join Tris Whitman’s backroom staff ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, bringing a wealth of experience in player development, coaching and performance analysis.
Rich Allen
Allen arrives at the Microlise New Manor Ground with an impressive background in both professional football and player development.
He is the founder of RDA Coaching, one of the region’s leading private football coaching organisations, established in 2016. Through RDA Coaching, Allen has worked with players ranging from grassroots football through to academy and professional level, including former Nottingham Forest midfielder Ben Osborn.
Alongside his work with RDA Coaching, Allen spent more than 12 years with Nottingham Forest, joining the club as an academy intern in 2011 before progressing through a variety of academy and first-team roles, eventually becoming Assistant Education Officer.
Away from the pitch, Allen holds a Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Loughborough University and is also a qualified teacher, tutor and accredited performance analyst.
His expertise in analysis and player development will provide another valuable dimension to the Robins’ coaching team.
Louis Minney
Minney reunites with Tris Whitman after previously working alongside him at Hucknall Town.
Joining the Yellows in November 2024 from Stapleford Town, Minney became an integral part of the coaching staff as Hucknall enjoyed a highly successful campaign.
During his time at the club, the management team guided Hucknall to victory in the Nottinghamshire FA Saturday Senior Cup, lifting the trophy at Mansfield Town’s One Call Stadium, while also securing an impressive eighth-place finish in the United Counties League Premier Division North.
His existing relationship with Whitman and understanding of the club’s playing philosophy makes him a welcome addition to the Robins’ first-team staff.
Everyone at Ilkeston Town would like to welcome Rich and Louis to the Microlise New Manor Ground and wish them every success.