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Valentine and Turner latest arrivals for Phillips new look Gladiators

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Valentine and Turner latest arrivals for Phillips new look Gladiators

Following Saturday’s training session at the Proctor Cars Stadium, Matlock Town manager Paul Phillips confirmed two more signings to take the number of new recruits to fourteen.

One of these is already well known to Matlock fans, midfielder Nathan Valentine who spent the second half of last season on loan from Stalybridge Celtic. He scored on his debut against one of his former clubs Scarborough Athletic and went on to hit three goals in his nine appearances last term.

The other signing is Lewis Turner (28) from National League North Farsley Celtic having previously been with Chester for whom he scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 win against Brackley Town in 2012/13 which secured the Conference North title. In the following season he was named as the Chester fans player of the year.

Phillips says both signings fit into the mould of player he wants at Matlock.

“Valo did really well for us last season, he’s a good competitor, a threat going forward and he looks after himself fitness wise. He’s also a good voice in the changing room and with him knowing the club, his presence, willingness and workrate, I had no hesitation in asking him to sign for this season.”

Turner has recovered from an ACL operation but Phillips says that he “is now as fit as a butcher’s dog”.

“Lewis is very adaptable in that he can play at right back, left back and also in midfield so it gives us options. He’s been out for a few months with an ACL but he’s worked hard and now he’s as fit as a butcher’s dog. He’s a seven or eight out

of ten lad every week, a born winner and again just the type of character we want here at Matlock.”

The Gladiators will train one more time on Tuesday before they begin their pre season fixtures behind closed doors at New Mills on Thursday night. Another away friendly awaits them at Wythenshawe Town on Saturday.

Ian Richardson