Derby County's first visit in twelve years to Causeway Lane has been put back after the Rams informed Matlock they were double booked for the scheduled July 30 date.
The Pride Park outfit have a pre season tour arranged, but Gladiators and Rams fans in the Derbyshire Dales need not despair as Derby boss Paul Jewell has pledged to bring a strong side to face Matlock later this year, possibly in the October international break.
The change could actually work in Matlock's favour as Derby should be stronger by then as Jewell rebuilds his side after a disastrous Premiership season which saw them declared as the worst Premiership team ever. And there will be no or fewer counter attractions to put off a potential bumper gate at the Lane with Derby attracting a good following from the Matlock area.
But as the Derby game disappeared from Matlock's pre season preparations, other attractive matches were being organised. A four figure crowd is expected on Friday July 25 when Chesterfield are back in town aiming to retain their grip on the Banner Jones Cup, following their 5-1 victory in the corresponding fixture last summer. Sheffield United are back as pre season visitors to Causeway Lane after a rare absence last year, on Tuesday August 5. Matlock officials are working towards arranging another home friendly to add to the jewel in the crown of Matlock's preparations at home as Blackburn Rovers visit for James Lukic's testimonial game, which should attract a huge turnout given Lukic's outstanding service to the Gladiators on Wednesday July 23.
The Gladiators begin their pre season training stint on Saturday July 5, and have two weeks of hard work before opening their pre season programme of matches with a trip to Staveley MW on Saturday July 19. Other away games are at Carlton Town on Saturday July 26, Rainworth MW on Saturday August 2 and Belper Town on Saturday August 9 with their UniBond League Premier Division campaign beginning on August 16.
The Belper game could have a competitive edge to it as it is rumoured that the teams will be playing for the Caroline Melbourne Cup in memory of Caroline, a keen Nailers fan who sadly died a couple of years ago.
Joint boss Phil Brown is happy with the pre season games.
"There's some attractive looking home games which should bring the fans in after their summer break and some good looking away games which should provide us with some useful tests ahead of the new season, so all in all they look a good set of games".
Brown also welcomed the news that the Gladiators would once more be fielding a reserve side next season after it was confirmed that Matlock had been accepted into the Midlands Regional Alliance Premier Division for the 2008/09 campaign.
"It's a big step in the right direction for it gives the under 19's that are too old for that league the chance to progress within our club, possibly to first team level. We can also look at players we want to bring in that have first team potential as well as giving first teamers the chance to get a game in on their recovery from injury."
David Apperley , with an abundance of football administration experience at Matlock United,has agreed to take on the Secretary's role and he appealed for any interested people to come forward and help behind the scenes.
"Anyone who feels they can help in any way will be made very welcome and they can contact me on 07747 758988, We're talking to a couple of well known non league players about the managerial positions and hope to announce something positive very soon. Players have also been in contact about joining us and similarly any local or not so local player who feels they would like to give it a go can also contact me and we'll let them know details of trials and training. This is a welcome development for Matlock Town FC and a possible stepping stone for players to have a go at playing at UniBond League level and we'll all be doing our utmost to provide not only a successful Matlock Town Reserves squad but potential first team players for Phil Brown and Gareth Williams."
Current captain James Lukic began his Matlock career in their reserves a decade ago and as well as the mouth watering contest with Blackburn, other events are being organised in his testimonial season, the first one being a golf tournament at Matlock Golf Club on Thursday June 5.
It will be a four ball Stableford competition with prizes for the winners, closest to the pin and longest drives. Cost of entry is £250 per team which includes bacon cobs, coffee and a three course meal. To enter or find out further information about the event, ring John Lawton on 07791 649719 or e mail him at
johnslawton@tiscali.co.uk
