Local lad Dimaio signs on the dotted line!

Matlock Town boss Martin Carruthers has strengthened his midfield department with the signing of 27 years old Connor Dimaio from National League North Curzon Ashton.

The Chesterfield born Dimaio was part of the Sheffield United Academy, graduating to make three first team appearances for the Blades in the 2013/14 season, also being named as their young player of the year.

Earlier in 2013, he was called up by the Republic of Ireland to represent them at under 19 level having previously featured for their under 16 and under 17 sides. In March 2016 he received a call up for the under 21’s making his debut in a European qualifier against Slovenia.

Dimaio joined his hometown club Chesterfield in February 2016 having been released by Sheffield United scoring his first goal for the Spireites in a 3-1 win against Crewe Alexandra in League One.

After making 44 appearances for the Spireites he moved to Stockport County signing a two year deal in May 2018. Nine months later he was out on loan at Ashton United and then Curzon Ashton, his stay at Stockport seeing him play 35 first team games and score three goals.

Dimaio joined Boston United in August 2020 before after a second loan spell at Curzon Ashton he made a permanent move to the Nash in July 2022.

Carruthers says Dimaio will be “a perfect fit”.

“I’m absolutely delighted to secure the signing of Connor, a fantastic young midfield player who certainly can play at a higher level. We got him from the Conference North league ,it’s great that he’s chosen Matlock, he’s a local lad from Chesterfield and I know of him from his time at Chesterfield as a young player.”

Dimaio comes highly recommended to Matlock.

“ A good friend of mine John Ramshaw had him at Boston and he was raving about him. He said if I got the opportunity to sign him then grab it with both hands and that’s just what we’ve done. It’s been no secret we’ve been after some midfield players so to secure him at such short notice, being a local lad and with his age as well, he’ll be a perfect fit for this football club and I’m really looking forward to seeing him play.”

Subject to NPL and FA approval, Dimaio could make his Matlock debut in Saturday’s home clash with Warrington Town.

Ian Richardson