Law retains services of hitman Hardy

Hot on the heels of captain John Johnston signing on the dotted line for the new NPL Premier Division season, Matlock Town have secured the services of striker Liam Hardy.

The vastly experienced frontman joined Matlock on deadline day last season from Liversedge and hit four goals as Town rallied towards the end of the season from an uncomfortable position just above the drop zone.

Recently installed Gladiators boss Nicky Law had no hesitation in re-engaging Hardy for the new season.

"He's a no nonsense player who's a proven goalscorer at good levels of non league football" Law declared.

"He's also a strong character who'll be good within the club and I think he proved at the back end of last season that he's still got what's required, he'll always score goals and I think he'll prove to be invaluable to us."

Matlock fans will be hoping he can replicate the form he showed at neighbouring Buxton when he was often the scourge of the Gladiators and many other opposing teams. He was the Bucks second highest ever scorer knocking in 135 goals for the Bucks.

Hardy says he is looking forward to the coming campaign and feels the Gladiators will have a much improved season.

"I'm buzzing, when Nicky said he wanted to sign me I was delighted, I had a good finish to the season and can hopefully carry it on to next season. It's a great club, the fans turn out on their numbers and I'm confident we'll be up there challenging at the right end of the table next season."

IAN RICHARDSON