Matlock Town ready to go as date for new season is confirmed

Chairman Bryn Apperley is delighted to see the club planning for the start of a new season.

Pre-season preparations will now be ramped up after the NPL confirmed the season would kick-off off on Saturday 19 September.

“I think everyone’s pleased that it looks like we’ll be back to playing football again soon” said Chairman Bryn Apperley.

“It’s been a long wait for us all and while there’ll understandably be some changes to comply with what the Government is stipulating, I’m sure all our fans will be understanding and put up with what might seem to be a little inconvenience.

"But we’re all looking forward to getting going again, everyone down at the club has put a lot of effort in during the close season with maintenance and there’s also been a lot of hard work administratively.

"Our management team have been working hard and I think we’ll have a good strong squad this season and people will enjoy what they see.

“It’s going to be different” added Mr Apperley. “We at Matlock Town will be working hard in the coming weeks to ensure all spectators enjoy our games safely and we can’t wait to welcome people back.”

Guidelines from the FA say that pre season games can begin from August but as things stand, spectators will not be allowed entry to the friendly games until September 5.

Boss Paul Phillips said he was over the moon with the news.

He added: “It’s fantastic for everyone. It looks like we can have spectators in for friendlies from 5 September, so hopefully we can get some attractive opposition in for the fans ahead of the league starting.

"I’m also relieved as everyone knows I’ve been asking for this for a few weeks now.

"We’ll only be just over a month late although it’ll be more hectic with more midweekers.”

Matlock will confirm their pre season schedule shortly. The First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup has a midweek slot, with ties currently being scheduled for Tuesday 22 September and there will be no replays in either the FA Cup or FA Trophy.

The final week of the playing season has been arranged for Saturday 8 May in what will be a 34 week season with more midweek games than normal, although there will be no League Cup competition.