Gladiators part company with management duo

Discussions between the club and the duo have taken place in light of recent league results and performances which see the Gladiators deep in relegation trouble sitting fourth from the bottom of the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division table.

Rushbury and Foster were handed their posts on a full-time basis at the end of October after an initial six games in charge on a caretaker basis following Mark Atkins’ resignation which came as a result of

a disappointing start to the campaign. During that period Matlock won three, drew one and lost two matches.

Since taking over full-time, results have been poor with just one win in the league since then.

In ten games a meagre five points have been accrued.

Strangely, the best results have come in the Derbyshire Senior Cup with a 2-0 home win over Buxton and then in their last game in charge a shock 3-1 win at Vanarama Conference Premier neighbours Alfreton Town on Tuesday night.

Commenting on the pair’s departure, chairman Tom Wright said: “We’d like to thank both David and Martin for the tremendous hard work and commitment they put into their work in their short but very difficult spell as joint managers at the club.

“Football unfortunately is a results-driven business and five points from the last ten games has put us in a difficult league position.

“They are both great lads and naturally everybody at the club wished them well in the future.”

Rushbury added: “Martin and myself are both sad to go but we wish the club the very best and we’d both like to thank all the fans for the support they’ve shown us while we’ve been at Matlock.”

The Gladiators expect to name their new boss tomorrow (Thursday) in good time to prepare for Saturday’s home meeting with Ashton United.