Derbyshire heads to Derbyshire to join Cresswell's Gladiators
Matlock Town are pleased to announce the signing of forward Matt Derbyshire, formerly of EFL League Two side Bradford City subject to NPL and FA approval.
Matt began his career in non-league at Great Harwood Town before earning himself a move to his boyhood Premier League club Blackburn Rovers in 2003.
He played for Blackburn for five years, scoring 20 goals in 86 appearances and becoming a fan favourite.
He had loan spells with Plymouth Argyle, Wrexham and Olympiacos, before joining the latter club permanently in 2009.
Whilst at Olympiacos, Matt won the Super League Greece and Greek Cup before a return to England came calling in 2010, joining Birmingham City on loan where he was part of the squad to win the League Cup, before securing a permanent return to the country with Nottingham Forest for a three-year stint and going on to have loan spells with Oldham Athletic and Blackpool AFC.
Matt would make the move to Rotherham United in 2014, staying with the Millers for two years before clubs abroad came calling once more, spending four seasons in Cyprus with Omonia followed by one season with A-League club Macarthur FC before returning to Cyprus with AEK Larnaca.
He would join Indian Super League side NorthEast United at the start of the 22/23 season, returning to England in December 2022 to link up with Bradford City whom he left at the end of the season.
Matt's storied full-time career has seen him play 530 times, scoring 177 times at club level featuring in the top leagues in England, Greece, Cyprus, Australia and India alongside playing in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League during his time with Olympiacos FC. He also featured for England U21s earlier in his career, scoring four goals in 14 appearances. He is now working towards his UEFA A-Licence with Blackburn Rovers which he will twin with turning out for Ryan Cresswell's Gladiators.
When asked how the signing came about, Matlock manager Cresswell said: "Myself and Clayts (Adam Clayton) went to the Rotherham game today and he was the guest speaker in the lounge.
"Clayts played with him at Bradford City so knew him really well. He wants to play football and we put a deal together to suit all parties for him to come on board. He’s really excited to be involved and get back playing and had offers from multiple non-league clubs but is really excited about the work we’re doing at Matlock and wants to be a part of it."
Welcome to the Gladiators, Matt!
Photo credit: Thomas Gadd