Former Blades captain David Holdsworth has this week become manager of Derbyshire outfit, Ilkeston Town.

The Unibond League club finished in 17th place last season hope that the 39 year old who succeeds Nigel Jemson at the New manor ground will set The Robins on an upward path.

Holdsworth, who served the Blades from 1996-99 before moving to Birmingham City, said:

"I'm delighted to have been given this opportunity to have an input and to try and take this excellent, small set-up to the next level. The aim has to be to reach the Conference North and then, maybe even the Conference.

"I will be working closely with the Chairman to put in place a professional structure at the Club, and to implement a coaching syllabus throughout the whole playing side.

"Hopefully, the players will be able to adapt and learn very quickly about my methods and professional approach which are aimed at making them better players."

Sheffield based Holdsworth enjoyed a very successful spell in Scotland, helping Gretna chairman Brooks Mileson with a similar blueprint which took that club from the backwaters of Scottish football to the SPL.