Former defender Greg Mitchell dies aged 58

Everyone at Matlock Town FC is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former defender Greg Mitchell earlier this month at the age of 58.

Greg was Matlock's left back when the Gladiators played away at Scunthorpe United in the FA Cup First Round proper in November 1989. In an earlier round, Greg's free-kick proved to be the winner in a replay at Boston United.

He joined Matlock in November 1984 from Sheffield FC, making his debut in a 2-1 win in the Derbyshire Senior Cup at Heanor Town. He collected a Derbyshire Senior Cup winners medal in 1985 when the Gladiators secured a 3-1 aggregate win against Alfreton Town.

He returned to Sheffield and moved on to Gainsborough Trinity before he was back at Causeway Lane in December 1988. At the end of the season he was an Evans Halshaw Floodlit Cup winner with Matlock when they defeated Grantham Town in the final at Field Mill. Another Evans Halshaw winners medal followed two years later with a win against Bourne Town at Mansfield, while in between these finals he collected a Derbyshire Senior Cup runners up medal, Town losing to Gresley Rovers 4-3 on aggregate.

He was back at Sheffield in the early part of the 1991/92 campaign and in total he made 252 starts plus six substitute appearances, scoring 15 goals.

A minute's applause will take place with Greg's family and many former team mates present prior to Saturday's home game against Whitby Town. Matlock Town FC sends its sincere condolences to Greg's family and friends at this sad time.