Midfielder Dimaio extends Gladiators stay

Matlock Town have retained Connor Dimaio for the coming season following some impressive form before his serious knee injury that has recently seen him undergo surgery.

The 27 years old midfielder joined the Gladiators from Curzon Ashton in February having expressed a desire to come to the club and Matlock manager Martin Carruthers was quick to snap him up after good reports on him from some of Dimaio’s former managers.

All was going well for Dimaio who scored his first Matlock goal to put the Gladiators into the lead at leaders and future champions South Shields in a 1-1 draw.

But just two weeks later Dimaio went down writhing in agony during the home draw with Ashton United and it was revealed that surgery was required to reconstruct the ACL in his knee. A fund was set up to raise £6000 to help cover the cost and support Dimaio and there were a number of generous donations including a £1000 donation from Arsenal and England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, a team mate of Dimaio’s at both Sheffield United and Chesterfield. Peterborough United Chairman Darren McAnthony also contributed £500.

Now Dimaio faces the long road to recovery but Matlock boss Martin Carruthers says he will come back stronger.

“We’re absolutely delighted to extend Connor’s contract, it shows how much we rate him and the impact he’s had on the team since his arrival. He’s one hell of a talent but also an amazing person and fantastic for the dressing room. Despite his injury, we know he’ll be back better and stronger and we can’t wait to get him back and give us a promotion boost next year.”

Ian Richardson