ILKESTON Town will not be signing sharpshooter Tom Cahill following his release by Rotherham United.

He enjoyed a productive loan spell at the New Manor Ground last season where he was a real crowd favourite.

The Robins have made the 22-year-old a 'good offer' for him to join their 2009-2010 campaign in the Conference North after promotion last season.

But Cahill has relocated to the north-west and that, together with his wage demands, have scuppered any chance of an agreement.

"It looks like Ilkeston is not really where Tom wants to be with the money we have offered him and where he will be living," said boss Kevin Wilson.

"And we have also got a wage structure that we are not going to break for any player. With the recession as it is, you have to work to a budget."

But Wilson has high hopes for his trio of young signings, midfielder Josh Burge, 19, central defender Richie Holmes, 18, and utility man Alex White. 21.

All three began their careers at League clubs and Wilson says they can return to that level if they are prepared to work hard.

He said: "Josh was offered another year at Grimsby but turned it down.

"Richie was by a lot of accounts unlucky to be released at Chesterfield and Alex started his career at Hartlepool and has also played for Blyth Spartans and Stranraer.

"The biggest challenge for young lads coming out of the professional game is that they think it is going to be easy – but they still have to put it in."

Carlton Town have completed the signing of former Eastwood and Hucknall midfielder Paul Mitchell.