Carruthers swoops to bring in forward Wells

Matlock boss Martin Carruthers has swooped to bring Carlton Town striker Brad Wells to the Proctor Cars Stadium.

The 32 year old was rumoured to be joining Stocksbridge Park Steels after asking to be released by Carlton but Carruthers stepped in to add Wells to his striking options.

Wells has extensive non league experience with the likes of Gainsborough Trinity, Basford United, Stamford, Spalding United, Hednesford Town and Frickley Athletic.He moved to Carlton at the beginning of the current campaign,

Carruthers says Wells, who was at the Proctor Cars Stadium on Tuesday evening when the Gladiators shared the spoils with Leaders South Shields, is a player he has wanted to sign in his previous managerial jobs.

“ I’m delighted that we’ve got him involved here at Matlock, he’s a player I’ve chased over the years but never managed to get him. He’s scored plenty of goals against my sides so I’m hoping he’s the one that can help push us on and get us into the play-offs. He’s played at this level and the level above. He can hold the ball up and can run in behind. When Carlton released him the opportunity was there to bring him in. It’s no secret that we’re not scoring enough goals.”

Wells will be included in the Gladiators squad for Saturday’s trip to Whitby Town.

Carruthers missed the draw with South Shields with flu and was still feeling unwell on Wednesday evening but he is confident of being back in the dug out at the weekend.

He is targeting at least four if not all six points from the Whitby game and Tuesday night’s home clash with fellow play-off chasers Marine.

“Whitby are in really good form so we know we face a tough afternoon up there, we’re under no illusions but recently our away form’s been a bit better than pour home form so we hope that we can get another win on Saturday. It’s a huge game for us as is the Marine game and we’ll be looking to win them both or get at least four out of the six points available.

Utility player Robbie McNicholas will miss the game in Yorkshire through a one match ban following his red card against Ashton United last Saturday.

Ian Richardson