We are excited to confirm the signing of striker Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Ilesanmi.
Manny, aged 20, joins the Bucks ahead of our return to Step 2 in the Enterprise National League North and will add to manager Kevin Wilkin’s attacking options.
Manny was a free agent following his release from Derby County at the end of his contract, but has experience of Step 2 football having spent part of last season on loan to Torquay United of the National League South.
Having started his career with Harrogate Town, he switched to the Rams in the summer of 2024. His three years at Harrogate included loans to Scarborough Athletic and Basford United. Loaned to Torquay in January 2025, an injury meant he returned to Derby but was then loaned back to the Gulls in March 2025 once his injury had healed.
Manny is the fourth new face of Kevin Wilkin’s summer recruitment at the SEAH Stadium, and revealed that Manny had been in the Bucks’ sights last season.
“Yeah, we were aware of him last season, and tried to get him in, but they (Derby) wanted him to play at Step 2; that was where they pitched it and where they felt we needed to be playing, so we’ve had to be a little bit patient with it, but once we knew he was available, we stepped up our interest.”
The Bucks boss feels that Manny fits the mould of a player who can develop and contribute, hopefully moving both in the same upward direction.
“He’s got the profile, a young, up-and-coming player that needs a run of games. He’s got to gain that little bit of experience but certainly he’s the right age, he’s a physical, strong lad and we need some options across the front, striking options, and he’ll certainly provide that.”
Following Harry Hawkins’ successful loan spell with the Bucks last season, is Manny’s arrival evidence of a growing link with the Rams academy?
“Yeah, hopefully. We spoke to Derby about Manny and one or two other players as well. They produce good players who do come through and others who perhaps have to take a step back to move forward through non-league to get back into full-time football. Speaking with people I know in and around Derby, they recommended Manny and said, “Yeah, definitely give him a shot”, so here we are.”
Here we are, and here he is!
Manny trained with the Bucks as they returned to pre-season training at Lilleshall on Tuesday (1st July) and he is excited for the season ahead.
“Yeah, after the club’s success last season in the playoffs, I just want to help build on that success and help the team as much as I can. I have heard all about the support from the fans, so I hope to be able to give them more to celebrate, with goals. The manager told me about how great the group of boys were, so I’m excited for this new chapter in my career.”
Manny, welcome to the Bucks!
Manny is our fifteenth confirmed squad member for the 2025/26 season. If you’re interested in sponsoring Manny for the 2025/26 season, please contact Aimée Lauder, our Commercial Sales Manager, at [email protected] or 07818638850.
Follow the Bucks on social media, so that when we announce further deals, you’ll be among the first to know, and much more besides, as the countdown to the big kick-off on 9th August ticks down.
Don’t forget that the Enterprise National League North fixtures are due for publication at 1 pm on Wednesday, 9th July 2025, with our first pre-season game, away to Harborough Town, on Saturday, 12th July 2025.
