Matlock Town reinstate boss Adam Clayton just 48 hours after departure
Matlock Town have reinstated manager Adam Clayton – just days after he left the club by mutual consent.
Following a 3-0 defeat at Ossett United on Boxing Day, it was confirmed Clayton had departed from his role along with assistant Steve Eyre.
But on Monday, more details emerged of the reasons surrounding Clayton’s initial departure, with it then being confirmed he had been reinstated but this time with former Gladiators boss Ryan Cresswell as his assistant.
Owner David Hilton said in a club statement: “We received an approach for Adam from a bigger club higher in the pyramid. We notified Adam of this but due to the investment and the potential to unsettle us we decided to not allow those discussions to take place until our season was complete.
“We later felt that this was unfair on Adam and that the situation had the potential to impact us regardless.
“After the Ossett game, the club decided to release Adam from his contract in order to allow him to move on. We felt that a fresh approach was required due to the situation having the potential to distract people at a vital time in our season.
“After his release and his discussions with the other club and his family, Adam declined the offer of the new position and requested that he be reinstated at Matlock and allowed to finish what he had started with us and with the group of players he had recruited.
“As the opportunity arose, the club has decided to bring back former manager Ryan Cresswell, a trusted ally to Adam, as the assistant manager and also as our defensive coach.
“While the earlier decision was taken with the club’s long‑term welfare in mind, further reflection and continued dialogue highlighted the importance of stability, continuity, and a shared direction.”
Matlock, who sit third in the league standings, are in action on New Year’s Day when they host Silsden, before then welcoming Newton Aycliffe next Tuesday night.