Ex-Ram McDonald signs on for Sports

MICKLEOVER Sports have signed former Derby County striker Shaquille McDonald.

McDonald spent two seasons with the Rams between 2014 and 2016.

During his time at Pride Park, he also had loan spells with Cheltenham Town and FC Halifax Town but was released at the end of the 2015-16 campaign without having made a first-team appearance for the Rams.

McDonald, 23, has since played for Nuneaton Town, Black Country Rangers and Coventry United.

Now Mickleover have snapped the 23-year-old up from Midland League Premier Division side United.

McDonald is expected to go straight into the squad for tomorto Marc Strzyzewski row’s Evo-Stik Premier Division game at home to Grantham Town.

MARC Strzyzewski says he is sure South Normanton Athletic can turn around their season and escape the relegation zone in the Midland League Premier Division.

Strzyzewski, who numbers Belper Town, Gresley and Mickleover Sports among his former clubs, took on his first managerial role with the Shiners at the start of the season – and suffered, as they lost their first nine league matches.

Their first win, in September, came against Wolverhampton Sporting Community, who are now bottom of the table, a point below South Normanton.

More significantly, the Shiners are currently unbeaten in three, with two wins and a draw, and are at home to Dunkirk, the team a point ahead of them, tomorrow.

“I’m enjoying the new role and although it was a rough and challenging start it’s been a brilliant experience and now the squad is taking shape we really believe we can turn the season around,” said Strzyzewski, who also still plays when required.

“A major factor is the help and support of my back room staff which includes my assistants Thom Kellogg and Lee Mitchell.

“Led by captain Dave Leigh, the players’ attitude and effort has been brilliant since I took the job.”

MATLOCK Town will play Alfreton Town and Mickleover Sports will meet Clay Cross Town in the semifinals of the Derbyshire Senior Cup early in January. Alfreton eased past Buxton 2-0 in the last of the quarterfinals in midweek. EVO-STIK LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION EVO-STIK LEAGUE EAST DIVISION MIDLAND LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION EAST MIDLAND COUNTIES LEAGUE