Weekend report by Ian Richardson - 4/8/19

Goalkeeping coach Adam Sollitt has left Matlock Town and joined up with National League North neighbours Alfreton Town.

Sollitt had been in his role with the Gladiators for three seasons, joining at the start of the 2016/17 season when joint bosses Glenn Kirkwood and Craig Hopkins were in charge. Sollitt, a former England non-league international, had played professionally for Barnsley, Northampton Town and Rushden & Diamonds, while in non-league he played for Scarborough, Kettering Town, Morecambe, Gainsborough Trinity and Worksop before ending his career at Matlock. He wore the Gladiators number one jersey for three years between 2010 and 2012 making eighty-six appearances.

Swanwick based Sollitt said it was an opportunity to develop his career in coaching.

“It was too good an opportunity to turn down coaching in a higher league and to develop my career in coaching. But I’d like to say a huge thank you to Matlock Town for the opportunity to develop as a coach in the first place. I’ve loved every minute of it and will miss everyone connected with the place. The supporters have been amazing and there are lots of very good people behind the scenes that have become friends and helped me in my time there. I’ve no doubt Steve (Kittrick) and Luke (Potter) will do a fantastic job there but this opportunity came around really quickly.”

Kittrick, although disappointed to lose Sollitt, agreed that it was a good opportunity for Sollitt.

“He’s moving to a higher league and I can fully understand that it’s an excellent opportunity for him. Obviously, I didn’t want to lose him as he’s been top class since I came here and has obviously done a great job in his three years at Matlock. Luke and I wish him all the very best for the future.”

Ian Richardson