Gladiators release Styche as Carruthers restructure begins

Matlock Town have released striker Reece Styche as manager Martin Carruthers restructures his Gladiators squad.

The Gilbraltar international today joined Southern League Premier Central AFC Telford in a move which sees him playing closer to his Staffordshire home.

He joined Matlock from Stourbridge in March and played a leading role with four goals as Matlock had a late winning run to qualify for the NPL Premier Division play offs last season.

Unfortunately as Carruthers states, Styche picked up a shoulder injury as the current NPL campaign got under way which has limited his appearances.

“Reece came in at a difficult time last season, he did really well for us being pivotal as we made the play-offs scoring some vital goals. He gave us a much needed boost. He had a shoulder injury in the last training session before the new season which hampered him and he also had his international call up with Gibraltar. Karl Demidh and Harry Wakefield came in and scored goals which kept him out. Understandably at his age, Reece just wants to play football, he’s moving to a club closer to his home, we have to respect that. We thank him for his contribution to the club and wish him the very best for the future.”

Meanwhile Ethan Cartwright whose return to the Gladiators was announced earlier today has done a u turn and decided he does not want to play for the club. He will therefore remain at North West Counties League Irlam having played and scored for them last weekend.

Ian Richardson