Carruthers reinforces defence with return of fan favourite Yatesy
Adam Yates should be back in a Matlock Town shirt for the league clash at Whitby on Saturday subject to NPL and FA approval having signed forms for the Gladiators once again on Thursday.
The former Gladiators captain, now 34, has been spending more time with his family since the end of last season but injuries and Matlock requiring a leader on the pitch saw manager Martin Carruthers approach the popular defender who has clocked up nearly 550 appearances for the club since making his debut as a substitute in a 2-1 home victory against FC United of Manchester in March 2009.
Yates typically wants to play down his return which will be celebrated by Matlock fans following a tough opening to the 2023/24 NPL campaign.
“I feel as if I’ve never left, I spoke to the gaffer and it seems as if the team’s lacking a senior figure and some leadership on the field. I’m here to steady the ship, I’m not keen on people making a big thing about a return for Matlock’s always been my club. While I’m delighted to be here , I’d rather the team be up at the top of the league with me at home sat down with my pipe and slippers. We’ve got some very tough games coming up starting at Whitby and it’s important we get some points on board. The fans have always treated me very well and we need to get some results for them.”
Carruthers says that having Yates back in the fold is a major boost for everyone connected with the Gladiators.
I’m delighted to see Yatesy back at the club, we’ve really missed his leadership qualities, it’s a boost to everyone at the club to have him back. He’s been keeping himself fit playing local football. We know what he can bring to the football club, we know what the fans think of him. Hopefully those leadership qualities will help us see out games, all we want to do is win football matches. Let’s hope that this helps kick-start our season.”
Yates had announced his retirement at the start of the 2020/21 campaign but returned during that season and after another spell away from the day to day happenings at the club he was back again last Christmas to play a prominent role as Matlock qualified for the play-offs.
Matlock fans had called for Yates to come back and now their wish has been granted.
Ian Richardson