Matlock Town boss wants clarity over start date for new season

A number of alternatives have been mentioned as to when the 2020/21 campaign can get under way, ranging from the usual mid August time, end of August, September, October and into November, with 2021 also being considered as a possibility by some, this being a worst case scenario.

The Gladiators have been having informal training get togethers under social distancing measures with players keen to keep momentum going after an unusually long break because of the early end to the null and void 2019/20 campaign.

And Phillips says Matlock now need some certainty over when the new campaign will get going.

“Give us a date” he asked. “If we find out that date’s not possible further down the line, it can be altered.

“The Premier League had a date when their season resumed so why not us with regard to the new season?

“We need clarity, having a date helps everyone at the club, players, management, officials and fans. I know there’s a lot to do but at least you have some date to work towards.”

Phillips is busy building his own squad in what will be his first full season in charge at the Proctor Cars Stadium.

Four new players have arrived so far, the latest being left back Reece Kendall last week, the 20 year-old joining the Gladiators from Brighouse Town.

Buxton skipper Callum Chippendale, Radcliffe winger Callum Dolan and forward Kayde Coppin, from Mossley, who will double up as assistant coach being the first three new arrivals.

More are expected through the front door at the Proctor Cars Stadium in the coming weeks.

Phillips also praised the contributions made by assistant manager Dave Wild, coach Dave Noble and the remainder of his backroom staff.

“Wildy, Dave Noble and the rest of my staff have done some great things” said Phillips, who was assistant to Wild for a spell at Mossley last season after leaving Buxton.

“Wildy, like the others love doing what they do. He’s got an enthusiasm for the job that I’d never seen anywhere else before.

“He’s on the phone, morning noon and night, he lives and breathes it, even my wife commented on how much he puts into the job.

“It did me good being the assistant for a bit last season, I had time off from sorting wages and contracts, I had more chance to speak to people although I have that now.

“I trust the likes of Wildy and Dave Noble and Kayde Coppin’s come in and is doing quite a lot. They’re setting high standards and I feel that all of the backroom staff are pulling in the same direction.

“They’re helping to bring the players in who are setting standards both on and off the pitch so that the players are managing themselves which shows the character we’ve got in the club.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper when you do your weekly shop.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you