Weekly News - 31/3/21
Paul Phillips is pleased that a date has been announced for the start of the 2021/22 NPL season.
Saturday 14 August, covid permitting, is the big day that all Matlock fans and indeed supporters of all of the NPL clubs will be looking forward to with relish and the Matlock boss echoes their feelings.
The Gladiators played only six NPL games in the curtailed 2020/21 campaign and a return to normality will be welcomed by everyone.
“Hopefully more barriers will be removed as time goes on and it now gives us something to aim at. We hope we can get back to league games on 14 August and we’ll be looking at the last Tuesday in June for the players to come back for the new season so we can have six weeks preparation” said the Gladiators chief.
Tuesday night was significant as the Matlock squad returned to training with lockdown restrictions having been eased.
“We had a great turn out and it was a great session” Phillips added.
“It was good to see all of the lads again and everything went to plan. We had a couple of new lads there who both did really well.”
More important dates for supporters’ diaries emerged this week.
On Thursday 15 April there is a fundraiser in the form of an exclusive online question and answer session (7.30 pm) for fans to talk with Phillips who will be joined by assistant boss Dave Wild and Sky Sports Nick Johnson. Fans can either just log in and watch the event or take part by putting their questions to Phillips. The event will also feature an interactive quiz, some questions being Matlock Town related and others about general sport, fans will need a second device such as a smartphone or tablet to use as a virtual keypad. It costs £5 to take part but fans can donate more so they so wish.
“It’s really good and anything that can benefit the club is worth doing” said Phillipa.
“Wildy will be with me which guarantees a few laughs and it’ll be good to interact with people who’ve not been around the club for a good while. It gives fans the chance to have their say, they pay their money, and they can tell us what we could possibly do better. It gives a bit back to them.”
The Matlock footballers will take on Matlock Cricket Club in a 40 over game on Sunday 27 June, and Phillips is looking forward to the challenge..
“We’re looking forward to it, I think we’ll have a decent team for we’ve got a lot of lads who also play cricket so hopefully we’ll give them a good game. There’s also the golf day a couple of days before so there’s lots to look forward to”.
Commercial Manager Tom Wright says there are still slots available for the club’s annual golf day at Matlock Golf Club on Friday 25 June.
“It’s a four ball Stableford with a bacon roll on arrival and a two course meal after the golf at a cost of £140 for a team of four. If you’d like to take part or could help us by sponsoring a hole please ring me on 07850 065968 or e mail info@matlocktownfc.co.uk. Hopefully the weather will be kind for us and we can enjoy a good day’s golf.”
Ian Richardson