All change at Matlock as new boss Drury arrives
Matlock Town have cleared the decks after their failure to gain promotion via the play-offs – with a new manager also now in place.
The Gladiators were beaten 2-1 by Bradford (Park Avenue) last Tuesday night – Avenue going on to lose out to Emley on penalties in Saturday’s final.
And with the primary target for the season not having been met, it was very quickly all change at the Proctor Cars Stadium.
The majority of the first-team squad have been released, with only Declan Lambton, Declan Eratt-Thompson, Tommy Elliott, Cameron Wilson and Liam Ravenhill initially retained, although Ravenhill has since gone on to sign for step three side Cleethorpes Town and Wilson is also expected to secure a move to a higher level in due course with bids already having been received.
But the most notable change is in the management. Interim manager Ryan Cresswell and assistant Ricky Ravenhill have also left the club, with former Stamford boss Graham Drury appointed as the new boss having enjoyed huge success in ten years – spread over three spells – at The Daniels and bringing with him vast experience of step three and four football.
A club statement read: “Graham has built a strong team culture focused on hard work, discipline and attractive football. He has earned widespread respect across non-league football for his professionalism and adaptability.
“The club is looking to strengthen its position in the league and push for higher honours, and his appointment signals an exciting new era for the Gladiators.”
On Cresswell’s departure, the club said: “We are extremely grateful for the work [Ryan and Ricky] put in during the final seven games of the season and wish them all the very best for the future.”
Drury’s first signing sees the return of popular striker Jonny Margetts, who was a prolific scorer for the Gladiators before departing for King’s Lynn Town in 2024.