Trio arrive at Matlock Town in time for pre-season

Matlock Town boss Mark Atkins has expressed his delight after making a trio of signings ahead of the Gladiators’ first pre-season training session.
FC Halifax Town v Workington at The Shay Stadium.
Danny HollandFC Halifax Town v Workington at The Shay Stadium.
Danny Holland
FC Halifax Town v Workington at The Shay Stadium. Danny Holland

Defender David Haggerty, striker Daryll Thomas and former Matlock favourite Danny Holland will join up with their new team-mates at their first training session on Tuesday evening.

And Atkins said he was pleased with the way his squad is taking shape.

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He said: “I’m very happy to get these three over the line. They all wanted to play for Matlock Town and, with the situation the club is in financially, we’ve got to have people who want to play for the club.

“We’re never going to have the money some sides in this division have, but we have fantastic people at this club both on and off the pitch striving to improve.

“A good team spirit can sometimes be the difference between winning and losing.”

The Gladiators fought off stiff competition for striker Holland following his release from Blue Square Bet North side Bradford Park Avenue.

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The 30-year-old returns for his second spell with the club and will offer much-needed support for last season’s top goalscorer Lewis McMahon.

“He’s scored at every level he’s played at,” said Atkins. “He gives us options up front and we believe he’ll come good once more.

“We didn’t score enough goals as a squad last season and that’s something we want to address next season.

“Daryll is another who has scored wherever he has been. He likes to run the channels and will give us something different to both Danny and Lewis.”

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Speedy forward Thomas, 26, lists Ilkeston FC, Hucknall Town and Belper Town as his former clubs.

While towering 6’4” centre-half Haggerty, 22, scored a looping header for fellow Derbyshire side Buxton FC against Matlock last season.

The Gladiators kick off their pre-season calender with a trip to Teversal FC of Northern Counties East League Division One on July 13.