Presentation Night News - 21/05/23

Al Byrne was named as Matlock Town Fans Player of the Year at last Saturday’s Presentation Night in the Shorts Lounge.

A packed audience cheered as Byrne’s name was called out to collect his trophy and Byrne also picked up another award, winning the Steven Greenhough Goalscorer of the Year trophy. Four of the club’s younger fans, Henry Rich, Jack Mather, Leo Gilman and Taylor Jackson handed over the award.

Byrne has been a model of consistency since arriving at the Proctor Cars Stadium in March 2020, playing a pivotal role with countless assists as the Gladiators captured a play-off spot in the last two campaigns,

Ioan Evans was named as the players’ player and received a watch donated by CW Sellors Jewellers. Evans joined Matlock in September 2021 from Stalybridge Celtic and soon secured a spot in the centre of the Gladiators defence, firstly alongside Ryan Qualter and latterly Adam Yates.

Jamie Sharman was named as the club’s young player of the season and he also picked up the fans forum player of the year. Sharman was released by Chesterfield in the summer of 2021 and has quickly become a fans favourite with some excellent displays at either right back or on the right of a three man back line.

Club Person of the year was awarded to goalkeeping coach Steve Shuttleworth whose work at the club goes further than training the goalkeepers. He carries out a lot of work behind the scenes and has stepped in as interim manager twice since he replaced Adam Sollitt in August 2019.

A long service award was presented to Keith Thurston who has recently resigned from the management committee and a special presentation was made to Sue Wright for the hours she put in to establishing Matlock Town as a limited company.

With excellent entertainment provided by local band Doghouse and lots of happy smiling faces it was another fantastic Matlock Town event to cap another successful but challenging campaign..

Ian Richardson