Danté Leverock said he is relishing the opportunity to work with Shaun Goater at the English non-League side Ilkeston.

Leverock had only been at the Derbyshire club for a few weeks when Goater was appointed as the manager of the struggling Evo-Stik Northern Premier League side.

Goater made a winning start to his managerial career after Ilkeston defeated Sutton Coldfield Town 1-0 at home before losing 2-0 in front of their own fans against Hednesford Town. They return to action with an away match to Grantham Town on Saturday after several postponed games.

“Working with Goater is an experience I’m lucky to have as a player,” Leverock said. “He has a wealth of knowledge and has played in the highest level in England, so I’m trying to learn as much as I can while I’m working under him. He had a lot of success as a player and I will work hard to do the same as well.”

Leverock, who turned down a new deal at Harrisburg City Islanders — where he spent two seasons in the United Soccer League — has an ambition of winning a professional contract at a Football League club.

The 24-year-old joined several Bermudians at Ilkeston including first-team players Dale Eve, Tehvan Tyrell and David Jones Jr.

“It actually feels good to be back in England, said Leverock, who studied at St Mary’s University in London.

“It is a place especially for central defenders who can thrive and grow quite well. I learnt a lot and developed as a player playing professionally in the US for the last two years.

“To test myself in England at a higher level was the best decision. Playing in England, the tempo is faster and tactically a bit different. In the US, there was more emphasis on maximising set-piece opportunities.”

Leverock, the cousin of Khano Smith — the former New England Revolution and Bermuda winger — added: “This year, I want to reach the highest level possible, proving myself and developing into a top defender whether that is in the Football League or professionally in Europe. I expect to be back at a professional club by the summer. I want to be best defender Bermuda has ever seen. That is my personal goal.”