Matlock Town benefit from watching the pennies

Matlock Town Chairman Bryn Apperley says that the club’s policy of watching every penny is proving to be especially important during the financially difficult times brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chairman Bryn Apperley says Matlock and their staff are working hard to keep going.Chairman Bryn Apperley says Matlock and their staff are working hard to keep going.
Chairman Bryn Apperley says Matlock and their staff are working hard to keep going.

Their last home game was the 4-1 victory against Ashton United back on 10 October, and the interrupted 2020/2021 campaign has seen the Gladiators play only four home competitive matches in total.

With Coronavirus having taken an increasingly vice like grip on the nation, the chances of Matlock returning to action anytime soon are slim indeed.

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The NPL season has already been suspended until at least 6 March, so it looks to be an impossible task for Matlock to fulfil a full fixture list in its current form.

"How the season is to end or continue is a very difficult one, and not all of the clubs will be happy with the outcome,” Apperley said.

"If or when the season does end, there’ll be a lot of work to do talking with our sponsors and season ticket holders to ensure everyone’s happy.

“We’re very fortunate that we have an excellent Treasurer in Scott (Bradshaw) who, along with his wife Hayley, helps us tremendously.

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"We’re keeping spending down to the bare minimum, everyone who can be furloughed is furloughed and the ground staff are keeping their fees down to nearly nothing.

"For these reasons, coupled with our normal frugal outlook, we’re able to keep going at the moment.”

The Gladiators’ Chairman emphasised the club’s gratitude to its sponsors and supporters.

“As always, we’re eternally grateful to everyone who supports the club. We simply cannot exist without our sponsors or supporters. We never underestimate their value and we’re really looking forward to meeting up with them all, hopefully in the none too distant future. “

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Mr Apperley says the lack of football this season has had an impact on everyone and he had particular sympathy for the players.

He added: “There’s not enough emphasis placed upon the players’ welfare. Paul Phillips and his staff are doing everything they can to keep them all connected but they are used to meeting up three or four times a week. Some of them might not see anyone all week under the present conditions.”​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​