Weekly News | 14.6.23
Martin Carruthers says experience is the key after unveiling his latest signing.
Carucian international and Dutch born Kemy Augustien is the sixth new recruit of the summer as the Gladiators boss builds his squad for his first full season in charge at the Proctor Cars Stadium. Augustien follows fellow midfielders Andrew Wright and Ollie Clark, full back Joe West, winger Nathaniel Crofts and striker Johnny Margetts who had signed on the dotted line last month.
Some fans have been critical of the move to bring in 36 years old Augustien who is Matlock’s second oldest squad member behind 40 years old goalkeeper Saul Deeney but Carruthers says he is a big advocate of experience within his ranks.
“You can’t beat experience and a lack of experience cost us the game in the play-offs last season” retorted Carruthers.
“We needed more experience in the middle of the park, Last season Al Byrne went in there and although he did very well it wasn’t ideal. We needed someone in there to settle us down, we didn’t have anyone of Kemy's experience, Bohan Dixon ran the show and we were out. When I was at Basford I brought in the likes of Lee Hendrie and Aaron Webster from Burton Albion and we won the league, we had others with the legs around them. I’m a big believer in experience.”
Carruthers reckons Matlock have good balance in their squad but he hasn’t ruled out further additions as the season approaches. The Matlock players return for pre season training on Saturday week ahead of their opening two pre season friendlies when the first team squads of both Chesterfield and Derby County come to town. Half of the tickets available for the Spireites visit on Tuesday 4 July have now been sold while the Derby game on Saturday 8 July is a sell out with no payments being accepted on the day.
“I think we’ve got good balance with experience down the spine of the side from Saul in goal, Ioan Evans in central defence, Kemy in midfield and Reece Styche plus Jon Margetts in attack with the other lads providing the extra legs and energy we’ll need. We’ll soon be back to the hard work, I’m really looking forward to pre season when we can hopefully implement the style Wayne (Hallcro) and myself want. Everything’s in place and some of the lads have been taking advantage of the fitness sessions Andy Henson our physio has been putting on which is brilliant and shows the commitment they have.”
Carruthers says that despite his activity in the transfer market to date, he is still on the look out to add to his squad.
“I’m still looking for that gem that might come up who has been released from the Football League who hasn’t managed to find a club. There could be one or two more additions yet, one or two may yet leave.”
As well as the imminent big friendly games with the Spireites and the Rams there are other days for fans diaries.
The club will be holding its second Fun Day on Saturday 1 July between 11 am and 3pm at the Proctor Cars Stadium. Admission is free with lots of attractions including bouncy castles and childrens character mascots with food also being available and the bar open.In the Shorts Lounge there is bingo on Thursday 15 June, cabaret with the Explsive Light Orchestra on Friday June 16 which is a tribute to Jeff Lynne and ELO and pyschic medium Grant Harris on Thursday 29 June, with further information being available on te club website www.matlocktownfc.co.uk
Ian Richardson