Gladiators release midfield trio

Matlock Town have announced the release of a trio of midfielders ahead of the start of pre-season training on Saturday.

Ethan Cartwright, Brad Abbott and Dan Bradley will all have new clubs for the coming season.

Cartwright was one of manager Martin Carruthers’ first signings when he took over the managerial reins midway through last season. He was at Guiseley having had a previous loan spell at Belper Town. Abbott was signed by former manager Craig Elliott from Boston United in October and Bradley came from Ilkeston Town in February.

Matlock have signed three midfielders during the summer as Carruthers rejigs his squad, Andrew Wright from Gainsborough Trinity, Ollie Clark from Basford United and the experienced Kemy Augustien who was at Kettering Town and Hednesford Town last term being the three new recruits.

Carruthers recognises the contribution made by Cartwright as Matlock qualified for the play-offs last season.

“Good luck to Ethan on his new venture at Basford. He was fantastic for us, he came into the team at a really difficult time and was pivotal in our run to the play-offs. He’s a fantastic lad around the dressing room and a real pleasure to work with. I’d like to say a big thank you to him for all of his effort and wish him the best for the season.”

Abbott suffered a broken leg in the Boxing Day 4-0 thrashing of Belper Town which restricted his appearances for the Gladiators, mainly being as a substitute in the run in. He scored Matlock’s final goal of the campaign , a consolation effort but a worldie as well as his thirty yard shot found the net as Matlock lost 4-1 at Warrington Town in the play off semi final. He will now be joining former Gladiator AL Byrne at Ashton United. Carruthers says the broken leg was unfortunate for both Abbott and Matlock.

“We never really got the chance to see Brad because of his broken leg and was unfortunate not to get a run of games when he did return. We know he’s a really good player and we wish him all the best at his new club Ashton.”

Bradley also had injury issues but showed his versatility as he filled in at centre back when Ioan Evans suffered an ankle injury during the run-in. Based in the West Midlands, Carruthers understood that Bradley wanted to be playing nearer to his home.

“Dan leaves with our best wishes, we respect his desire and decision to play closer to home. He was excellent for us and I thought he was even better when he had to cover for us as a centre back. He’s a great lad and we wish him all the best for the coming season.”

Ian Richardson