Adam Yates not thinking too far ahead after making 500 appearances for Matlock Town

The defender notched up his landmark 500th game at Bamber Bridge.

It is the second he reached 500 after doing so last season before the appearances were scrapped from the history books thanks to COVID.

But the popular centre-back is keen to focus on what is ahead and to play a key role in a successful Matlock Town side.

“It's been a rollercoaster and had its ups and downs but I have fond memories and have made great friends down the line,” he said.

“I just want to be successful as a club and if that meant I had to move on I would do that at the drop of a hat.

“I want to be in the team on merit and perform, if not I will step away.”

“It is a family down there, everyone is friendly - everyone loves the club. It wouldn't be the same without the familiar faces.

“There are a lot of new lads coming, but they already see how tight-knit we are as a club.

“I have committed my life to the club, it's not just part-time football, it's a huge commitment training and playing the whole year.

I sometimes see more of the lads than my own wife and children, it's a huge part of my life and I've committed a lot to the club.”

The three time Matlock Town fans player of the year may one day move into management or coaching.

But right now he is not setting himself any targets other than to get to the end of the season.

“I don’t know what the future will hold,” he added. “Right now it's about this season for me and I'll approach the future at the end of the season.

“I’ve always liked helping the younger lads as much as possible and I have a lot of experience to bring so you never know.

“I wouldn’t ever begin to think about 600 games if we get there then we get there but it's not a goal of mine.

“It is not a massive age at 31 but 500 games to take its toll and pre-season was one of the hardest for me this year.

“We (Yates and his partner) have arguments about me doing what I do, I work six days a week with two jobs and we have to look at if it's viable for the family and if it is working for us

“My other half puts up with a lot and it's hard having time away from my daughter.”