Winger Stobbs signs on loan as boss Cresswell explains recent squad changes

Matlock Town are delighted to confirm the signing of Jack Stobbs on loan from Buxton for the rest of the season.

Stobbs, 27, is a winger who began his career with Sheffield Wednesday, where he spent six years which included loan spells Port Vale and Livingston FC.

After being released from Wednesday, he signed for Grantham Town before returning to the English Football League with Oldham Athletic in August of the 21/22 season. He would join Torquay United on loan in March 2023 before making the move permanent in that summer, appearing 36 times for the Gulls before being released and joining Buxton in the National League North in the summer of the 24/25 season.

Having completed the signings of both Stobbs and Macclesfield midfielder Elliott Whitehouse on Monday, Gladiators boss Ryan Cresswell explained the reasonings behind the deals and also gave some context with regard to player turnover in recent months since the club secured investment.

He said: “Since the investor arrived at the club he has made no secret of the fact that funds are immediately available to aid the constant improvement of our playing squad.

“Prior to both his and my own arrival it was apparent that the squad at that time did not contain either the quality or the personalities to win football matches at this level. The club, through the first 12 fixturesm had been knocked out of the FA Cup and had accumulated only two points, whilst amassing a -28 goal difference. The club had 17 of 19 players on contracts and quite honestly was in trouble.

“Very quickly, and quite astonishingly looking back, all but one of those players left the club at a substantial cost to the investor.

“We quickly assembled a new squad which was selected from a very small pool of players available part way through a season. Most of these players had to be bought, again at a substantial cost. The players recruited had experience and qualities that inevitably had us topping the form charts for many weeks whilst pulling ourselves out of the bottom four.

“We have still only lost three in 13 matches.

“That being said, we are always looking to improve. We are looking to see what players can benefit our points tally this season and potentially any that might assist our promotion aims of next season. We have had many loan players also. This is due to a limited market availability of quality players.

“Many of these players have been recalled and we have had many injuries to contend with along with suspensions. We also have a duty of care to our players and some have requested to leave due to limited game time or an opportunity at a higher level.

“All of this being said, myself, the investor and the board of directors have utilised all of our contacts to ensure the club retains its NPL status and we will continue to do so.

“This was our only goal this season, the summer will look very different and we will look to build a very strong and settled squad capable of challenging for the title. This is possible due to our financial strength moving forward, investment into our facilities and a full market of players to recruit from.

“Please continue to back the team as you have done all season and together we will get to where we all strive to be.

“Today’s new signings, with more in the pipeline, will help us move back in the right direction quickly.”

Photo: Phil Peat Photography.