Matlock Town issue retained list for new season as Paul Phillips plots shake-up

The major departure is probably winger Piteu Crouz, who after a great start to his Matlock career following his move from Belper Town, was hit by injury and suspension after which he struggled to regain a regular spot in the starting line up.

Crouz joins striker Sam Scrivens, goalkeeper Kyle Trenerry and Sikirulaki Hamzat, who was signed on the day of Matlock’s final game of the truncated campaign at Warrington on March 10, in being released by the Gladiators.

Midfielder Luke Dean and full-back Ben Gordon have not been offered terms, but have been given the chance to return for pre season training should they wish.

Midfielder Jack Rea, who featured very little after Christmas due to an ankle injury, falls into the same category as Dean and Gordon.

Phillips admitted he had some tough decisions to make and would have preferred to tell the released players their fate face to face.

“It’s been really hard, none of them have really done anything wrong but Matlock again finished towards the bottom of the division and it’s plain to see a shake up was required,” he said.

“I’m also looking at what I hope we have coming in.

“Piteu, Ben and Luke live quite a way away, and as for Jack I’ve never seen him play due to injury.

“We have to look at things financially, while we’re hopeful Rob (Molloy) can have some positive impact, there’s also the situation with the Coronavirus epidemic to look at.

“We, like everyone else, aren’t really sure what will be happening and the implications of it.

“I felt like a coward having to speak to players on the phone, I’m the type of bloke who’ll speak with players face to face, but there was no other way.”

The retained list features the remainder of the players who were regulars in the 2019/20 squad plus local lad Adam Kimberley, signed from Clay Cross Town towards the end of the season but yet to make an appearance, and Phillips’ last addition to his squad, Warrington midfielder Scott Sephton.

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Striker Dan Turner who scored on his debut at Warrington is also a notable inclusion.

Matlock fans will be heartened that long term injury absentees, winger Craig King and Nathan Whitehead have been asked to be part of Phillips’ plans.

“Kingy and Nathan are smashing lads, good club men and they’re recovering well from their knee operations so it’ll be good to have them with the squad although we’ll have to monitor how they get on closely,” Phillips explained.

The Matlock boss is looking at fresh faces as he looks to put his own personal stamp on the Gladiators squad.

“I’ve been speaking to lots of lads and have three players in the pipeline once their contracts have been firmed up with the FA,” he added. I’m sure our fans will like them once we can get back on the field.”

Matlock’s full retained list is Alex Byrne, Chib Chilaka, Ben Edgson, Bailey Gooda, Spencer Harris, Luke Hinsley, Adam Kimberley, Craig King, Tomas Poole, Scott Sephton, Jon Stewart, Dan Turner, Nathan Whitehead, Dwayne Wiley and Adam Yates.

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