Player/Assistant Manager Brian Wilson departs the club

Matlock Town boss Paul Phillips has now confirmed the departure of his assistant Brian Wilson , but Wilson will not now be joining another club straightaway as he wants to take a break from the game.

The 37 year old, with more than 400 Football League appearances under his belt for the likes of Stoke City, Bristol City, Colchester United, Cheltenham Town and Oldham Athletic, had last week announced his retirement as a player after failing to overcome an ankle injury picked up in the Derbyshire Senior Cup semi final defeat by South Normanton Athletic last season.

Wilson will be remembered by Matlock fans for a spectacular strike which was the Gladiators final goal in a 4-0 home win over Radcliffe to confirm Matlock’s most emphatic league win of the season last February.

“I’d like to wish the club, staff and the players all the best for next season” said Wilson.

Confirming Wilson’s departure Phillips commented “As of today (Monday), Brian Wilson has left our coaching team at his own request to fulfil his ambitions of becoming a manager in his own right. We wish him all the best but we are sorry to see him go. We’d have liked him to have stopped but we respect his decision and he will be welcomed back at our club at any time, he’s a top bloke.”

Wilson’s exit came just three days after the Gladiators confirmed the signing of striker Kayde Coppin from Mossley who will also act as assistant coach. Ian Richardson