The campaign just ended saw the Gladiators finish in 16th spot, collecting just a solitary point more than relegated Leek Town in what turned out to be an incredibly tight bottom two thirds of the table.

While Matlock were safe going into the season's final day unlike a whole host of other clubs, it was still a little too close for comfort as a disastrous second half of the campaign saw them win just four games after Christmas.

Brown is keen to get his squad in place as early as possible ahead of the new season which kicks off on Saturday, August 16.

''In the close season last year we spent a lot of time and effort in trying to keep the outstanding squad we had together,'' Brown said.

''Unfortunately it wasn't to be as some went at the last minute leaving us very little time to bring replacements in. We wish we'd looked at alternatives earlier.''

The management duo have been busy as they strive to make Matlock a force again in the league.

''We've spoken to loads of players but it's very early days yet. We've some very good players that we want to keep at Matlock, but we've talked with ten to 15 players already.

''At present they're hedging their bets but there's certainly a few interesting ones in there.

''We realise that we need to strengthen the squad in certain areas. The one thing that has become more and more apparent to us is that it gets tougher and tougher.

''If we can strengthen by bringing in three or four new faces to join the players already at the club, then we can have a decent shot at having a good season,'' said Brown.

Halifax Town's financial troubles mean they could be facing the Gladiators in UniBond action next season, but at the moment it is still unclear as to which division the Shaymen will compete in after they went into liquidation last Friday, thus losing their place in the Blue Square League.

The knock-on effect is likely to see Altrincham receive a third reprieve from relegation from the Blue Square Premier, while Hucknall Town look set to stay in Blue Square North in spite of finishing third from the foot of the table.

This emphasises the sound policy of not overstretching your resources, but on the other hand, Matlock's UniBond rivals such as Eastwood Town have attracted millionaire businessmen to take the club forward.

Given Matlock's history and the new stand development and pitch improvements at the Geoquip Stadium, it would be a real boost for everyone involved with the Gladiators, officials, management, players and fans, if they could attract an individual with financial clout to aid their progress.

Last season was Matlock's worst since Brown and Williams took over in July 2004, but with hard working officials and management team, an industrious Supporters' Club, plus a loyal and vocal set of supporters, the base is there for success.

A benefactor could allow a famous non league club to have relistically high hopes for the future.