McNicholas departs due to work commitments

A promotion at work has resulted in full back Robbie McNicholas leaving Matlock Town.

The news emerged on Friday after McNicholas had spoken with Gladiators boss Martin Carruthers.

McNicholas had proved to be a welcome addition to the Matlock ranks when he joined up from Loughborough Dynamo last February and his battling performances were an instant hit with the Matlock support. He says leaving the club was a difficult decision.

“I’ve had a promotion at work which means I’ll be moving to Manchester. It’s on a full time basis so with me not being able to train with the lads or play in midweek games, I’ve had to make the difficult decision to leave. I’ve really enjoyed my time at Matlock Town Football Club, and I want to thank everyone who made me feel so welcome there. It goes without saying that I wish everyone at the club all the best for the rest of the season.”

Carruthers could not hide his disappointment at losing a player he has known well for a number of years, having been at Basford United when McNicholas came through the Ambers ’Academy set up.

“I’m really sorry to be losing Robbie, a great servant for us who came in at a difficult time last season playing right back, left back and in central defence and midfield He’s a fantastic lad, unfortunately for us his promotion at work has moved him to Manchester and he’ll not be able to train and stay with us. We wanted to keep him but it’s one of those situations where the lad’s got to crack on with his life so we give him a big thank you for all that he’s done at the club and we wish him all the very best for the future.”

McNicholas made 25 appearances for Town scoring the one goal in a 2-1 defeat at Marske United last March. His appearances this season have been curtailed by illness and injury, suffering concussion from a head injury sustained in a 2-0 loss at Marine in August.

Ian Richardson