Law secures signatures of two new faces and a fan favourite

Nicky Law's first midfield signing is George Milner who moves to Matlock after being with Ashton United last season.

Milner was a striker in his earlier days but was converted tp midfield when he was playing professionally for Norwegian side Valdres in 2017. This followed a spell when he was on a youth contract at Chesterfield who offered him a deal when the academy at Stockport County, where he had been from the age of seven to fourteen, closed down as County entered administration.

Born in Derbyshire, Milner has played for both Belper Town and Mickleover and also featured at Stafford Rangers. Towards the end of his time at Ashton, he was on loan at Nantwich Town.

He has grown a reputation as an attacking midfielder with Law saying he is just the ticket as he builds his squad for the upcoming campaign.

"He'll fill one of our key positions now we've sorted the back line, he's got good knowledge of this level of football, good energy and legs and he's a great character, just what we've been looking for. He's had other offers but to be fair to him he;s gone about things the right way and it shows what a good character he is."

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A new face and a familiar name were announced by Matlock Town on Thursday as manager Nicky Law sets about forming his squad for the upcoming season.

The new man is central defender Josh Ashman who joins from Guiseley while last season’s players player of the year Joe West has again signed on the dotted line for the Gladiators.

Ashman (20) formerly captained Sheffield Wednesday under 21’s until his release a year ago when he joined Guiseley. He had joined the Owls Academy at the age of 14 progressing to the under 16’s and signing a two year deal as a scholar.

Law says that Ashman’s arrival helps in his quest to bring in younger players.

“Eventually I want to bring down the average age of the squad by signing younger players that are competent at this level. Josh fits the bill after a season at Guiseley and fingers crossed we can see him develop and improve. I don’t want to find myself in a position at the start of every season where we have to rebuild, I want to build a squad that we can keep together.”

West (24) quickly established himself as a fans favourite after moving to the Proctor Cars Stadium last summer from Gainsborough Trinity. He was Matlock’s leading appearance maker playing 47 times as he cemented the left back position.

Law had no hesitation in re-engaging West,

“He’s dependable , reliable and well thought of at the club but the reason I’ve kept him is because he’s a good player at a good age. I feel we can make him a better player so he’s a good readdition if you like.”

IAN RICHARDSON