Gladiators go forth with the addition of four faces

Matlock boss Paul Phillips continues to be busy on the recruitment front with two more new signings and two more players from their 2019/20 squad agreeing terms for the coming season.

The Gladiators have confirmed that winger Alex Byrne and midfielder Spencer Harris will be featuring again for them in the new campaign while two more young attacking players, Braulio Maieco and Louis Potts have been snapped up, to make it a round dozen of new recruits.

Byrne, formerly with Shaw Lane, Gainsborough Trinity, Warrington Town and Buxton, has often been a thorn in Matlock’s side and he joined Matlock shortly before the Covid-19 outbreak, impressing on his debut at home to Morpeth Town and playing three matches before the season was declared null and void.

Harris was brought in by former manager Steve Kittrick last summer and has become a utility player for the Gladiators, playing in midfield, at centre half and even at full-back in the FA Trophy replay win at Chorley last December.

Maieco (23) was at Glossop North End last season and can operate both as a winger and a central striker.

“He’s 6’2”, quick and direct and although he’s raw he’s very enthusiastic. Kayde Coppin brought him down training and we’ve been impressed with him. He’s an unknown package but he looks to have all the attributes to be a very good footballer.”

Potts (24) is can operate as either a forward or in midfield and Phillips says he has been on his radar for some time.

“He came to our attention when we were scouting for players last season, we’ve had our eye on him but told him that he needed to get fitter and put in the extra work to make this level. To be fair to him he’s gone away and got fitter and you can see how hard he’s worked so we’re delighted to have him in the squad.”

Potts began his career with Manchester United and Bolton Wanderers before a move to non-league with Avro FC. Last season he was with Northwich Victoria in the North West Counties League.

Ian Richardson