Weekly News - 19/5/19

Matlock Town has at least five pre-season friendlies before the new campaign gets underway in earnest on Saturday, August 17.

The Gladiators have two attractive home games to commence their build-up to 2019/20 as League One outfit Burton Albion visit the Proctor Cars Stadium on Saturday July 13 before National League Premier neighbours Chesterfield are in town on Tuesday, July 16.

“These are two great games for our fans in the run-up to the new season and those that order their season tickets during the summer have the added incentive of watching our home friendlies for free,” said Chairman Tom Wright.

“We’re grateful to Burton and Chesterfield for coming to us again, we believe both clubs are sending strong sides so they’ll be good tests for our squad ahead of the new season.”

Three away games have been fixed up, all against sides who will play in the division below the Gladiators next season.

Newly crowned Toolstation NCEL champions Worksop Town will provide the opposition for Steve Kittrick’s men at the King Of Soho Stadium on Saturday, July 27 before on the two following Saturdays Matlock will travel to face Loughborough Dynamo and Lincoln United on 3 and 10 August respectively.

Further games are likely to be arranged with Matlock hoping to confirm another home friendly shortly.

Meanwhile, manager Kittrick says he is taking his time in naming his new assistant following Chris Bolder’s decision to take up the manager’s job at newly formed North Ferriby.

“I’m not rushing into it, I want to make sure I get the right person so an announcement will probably be made in the next couple of weeks,” said Kittrick.

“I’m also speaking to our current players and have lads lined up to come to the club but there’s no point in announcing anything until the ink’s dry and I’s have been dotted and the T’s have been crossed.”

Meanwhile current ground sponsors Proctor Cars will be renewing their sponsorship deal with the Gladiators.

The company are a professional independent family business based on the main A615 road in Wessington.

“We’re very pleased to be on board for another season and we wish the Gladiators the best of luck said managing director Michael Proctor.

Gladiators Chairman Tom Wright added, “ It’s fantastic to have such a well-established company like Proctor Cars backing the Gladiators for the upcoming season and we thank managing director Michael Proctor and everybody at Proctor Cars for their support.”

The Gladiators are asking fans to help with maintenance work at the Proctor Cars Stadium during the summer break.

Working parties will be at the ground each Tuesday evening starting at 7 pm as the club prepares off the field for the new season.

“Anyone who has a spare couple of hours will be made most welcome and it will help us greatly in getting jobs done. Refreshments will be provided and it’s a good opportunity for supporters to meet up in the close season” said Chairman Tom Wright.

Ian Richardson