Duo depart Gladiators for pastures new

Central defender Sam Egerton and winger Jonathan Wafula have both departed the Proctor Cars Stadium for pastures new.

Egerton has moved to Warrington Rylands while Wafula has joined Grantham Town.

Both Chairman Bryn Apperley and manager Paul Phillips expressed their disappointment on Egerton’s departure.

“We’ve made every effort we could to keep Sam at the club but it’s down basically to travel issues and he lives five minutes away from Rylands. He’s done really well for us and been part and parcel of our excellent defensive unit. He leaves with our best wishes ” said Mr Apperley.

Phillips echoed those thoughts.

“I’ve had Sam with me at previous clubs and was delighted when he joined us at the start of last season. He was a lad I was desperate to keep and as the Chairman says, we did all we could to try and persuade him to stay but travel’s an issue for him. I’d like to thank him for all he’s done and wish him the very best at his new club. “

Wafula only joined Matlock for his second spell during the summer and has found it difficult to cement a place in the Gladiators line up in spite of Liam Hughes being suspended and injuries to Ross Hannah and Jerome Greaves.

His first spell lasted just one game in 2018/19 on loan from Boston United, scoring the winner in a 2-1 home win over Workington.

“Jonathan was down the pecking order and although he’s a good player he hasn’t really fulfilled his potential so in the circumstances a move was best for both parties. He needs to play games and he should get that chance at Grantham and again, he leaves with our best wishes.”

Matlock entertain Witton Albion in the league tonight, hoping to secure a seventh successive league victory. On Saturday they travel to Stafford Rangers in a rearranged league fixture.

Ian Richardson