Matlock Town's summer activity in the transfer market is far from over according to joint boss Phil Brown
Having recruited full back Lee Featherstone from Ilkeston Town, central defender Ashley Foyle from Lincoln United and striker Ross Hannah, Belper Town's leading scorer last season, Brown and managerial partner Gareth Williams are well aware of the need to add both strength and quality to their existing squad ahead of what promises to be a highly competitive UniBond League Premier Division campaign.
"We're still looking to strengthen in certain areas and we're waiting for people to get back to us" said Brown who left Williams in sole charge of new season preparations while he took a two week break in Egypt.
Brown remains tight lipped about who he is targetting but he was confident of adding at least two quality players in the near future.
"We've been speaking to four or five lads who we feel will do a good job for us and we're wanting them to be with us when pre season training starts again on July 5, along with several trialists that we plan to take a good look at in training and in the pre season friendly games. We're very happy with the signings we've made so far and we'll be looking to add to them."
With James Lukic having departed to join former Gladiator Steve Charles, now manager at Conference North Gainsborough Trinity, thee is much debate among fans as to who will succeed him as skipper.
"There are a couple of candidates from last season as Ryan Laight did very well when James was injured and Simon Barraclough revelled with the responsibility in the home game with Kendal, but there could also be a potential candidate from a player we're looking to bring to the club, so atb the moment a decision hasn't been made. But whoever takes over has a tough act to follow for James was an outstanding leader" said Brown.
Lukic's testimonial game against Blackburn Rovers at the Geoquip Stadium on Wednesday July 23 definitely goes ahead and it will be one of new Rovers boss Paul Ince's first games in charge of the Ewood Park club. Ince's recent appointment saw him become the first black Englishman to manage in the FA Premier League.
Referee for the game is Sheffield's Uriah Rennie, while another Premiership official, Bolsover's Glenn Turner, who was an assistant referee in the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany and has vast Premier League experience will be on the line.
"We're really pleased that Uriah will be making a return to Causeway Lane having refereed for many years in the UniBond (Northern Premier) League before his elevation to the Football League and Premiership" a Matlock spokesman commented.
The Blackburn fixture forms part of a busy first week of friendly games for the Gladiators whose pre season programme commences with a trip to Staveley Miners Welfare on Saturday July 19. Chesterfield are at the Lane for the annual Banner Jones Trophy meeting on Friday July 25 before on the following afternoon, Town visit UniBond First Division South side Carlton Town.
More UniBond First Division South opposition in the shape of Stocksbridge Park Steels, managed by ex Matlock chief Gary Marrow lie in wait in South Yorkshire on Thursday July 31, while thee is a trip to Rainworth MW, newly promoted to the Northern Counties East League Premier Division on Saturday August 2.
A busy schedule for the Gladiators comes to an end with three more games with Sheffield United and Mansfield Town visiting the Derbyshire Dales on Tuesday 5 and Thursday 7 August respectively, to be followed by a local derby at Belper Town on August 9.
