Wednesday 25th May 2011
by IAN RICHARDSON
Matlock boss Mark Atkins this week paid tribute to his number two Nick Buxton for his contribution both on and off the field.
 The former Doncaster Rovers, Scarborough and Stalybridge goalkeeper (left) stepped into the breach after Mark Haran stepped to one side due to personal commitments midway through last season.
As yet there is no official news from the club of Haran's future intentions. And when first choice stopper Adam Sollitt suffered with back and other problems, Buxton came in to produce faultless performances between the sticks.
"Nick's a real character in the changing room who came in when Jugsy (Haran) had to take a step back from his position at the club. Bucko's done a great job and the lads have a lot of time for him. He's learning all the time about the management side of the game and is taking things on board very well. Also he's come in to play in goal when Soll's not been fit and in spite of not being fully fit himself, he's been magnificent. It's something of a double bonus for us. He's a great lad who's helped me so much."
Buxton got married on Sunday before departing for a well earned break before he and the Gladiators squad return to commence their pre season training schedule in a little over a month's time.
Atkins described the situation on the playing front as "quiet" at the present time, not that he has been idle in attempting to add to his squad. His main objective will obviously be to find a suitable replacement for goal machine Ross Hannah following his move to Bradford City a fortnight ago. The Gladiators boss says he is talking to players and putting offers to them, but it is a case of playing a waiting game at the moment.
Hannah, who joined City on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract,will be back at Matlock on Friday July 15th when the Gladiators host his new employers in a pre season friendly. Town officials were quick to contact the Bantams to fix up the game to give home fans the opportunity to say a proper goodbye to Hannah, a firm crowd favourite who smashed in a record 52 league and cup goals last term.
This will be Matlock's first home friendly with visits from both Chesterfield and Derby County to follow on July 19th and July 25th respectively.
Meanwhile last Friday, the Football Association announced the composition of the leagues down to Step 4 of the non league pyramid.
Matlock are at Step 3 level and will once again face old rivals Stafford Rangers, relegated from Blue Square North. Matlock and Stafford fought out some fiercely competitive league and cup battles in the late 1970's prior to the formation of the Alliance Premier League (now Conference) in 1979. Rangers will be one of four Staffordshire sides in the Evo-Stik Premier Division.
Joining Chasetown who enjoyed a fine debut campaign last season are Hednesford Town who switch back from the Zamaretto Southern League after a gap of two years and newly promoted Rushall Olympic from the First Division South. Rushall won the play off final against Grantham, but champions Barwell will play in the Zamaretto. First Division North champions Chester are bound to boost many clubs' attendances with their huge away support and they will be joined by play off winners Chorley.
Burscough remain in the Premier Division having been granted a reprieve in spite of finishing in a relegation place, but the linnets future is far from certain after a takeover at the West Lancashire side sees them playing at neighbouring Skelmersdale with Linnets fans far from happy with the sequence of events.
Closer to home Glapwell have tendered their resignation from First Division South, allowing their players to seek new clubs after a dispute with the Parish Council over the use of their Hall Corner ground but newly formed Ilkeston FC have been granted a place in the same division.
The Rod Stewart experience, a tribute act to the singer in the form of Gary Pease is top of the bill in the Matlock Town Sports and Social Club on Saturday night (28th). There will also be a 70's 80's 90's disco with tickets costing £5 for members and £10 for non members, available from the Club Shop or the Social Club. Doors open at 7pm.
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