Gladiators secure deals for key duo

Ted Cribley and Niall McManus played pivotal roles in Matlock’s escape from relegation danger, Cribley having been on loan from Barrow and McManus being a former Millwall player who is now studying at Sheffield University. Cribley has now signed permanently while McManus, who was named young player of the year and players’ player of the year, has extended his existing deal with Mark Hume’s men.

Gladiators chairman Tom Wright said: “We are delighted Ted and Niall have agreed to stay with us as their efforts last season were immense, along with those of the rest of the team.

“Keeping as much continuity in the side as possible will be important if we’re to reproduce our end of season form and carry it into the new campaign.”

Meanwhile, Matlock Town fans can order their season tickets for the 2015/16 Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division campaign and save themselves some money.

The Gladiators announced their ticket prices which offer fans a deal of £160 for ma season ticket, provided it is ordered before June 30th. A concessionary price of £105 for senior citizens has also been announced if the ticket is ordered within the next month. After that the prices are £170 and £110 respectively.

Buying a season ticket to cover all 23 of Town’s home league games represents a significant saving with match day admission prices going up slightly to £10 for adults and £6.50 for concessions.

“We think these rates offer excellent value,” said Gladiators chairman Tom Wright.

“Our prices have remained the same for four years and they now come into line with a good many NPL Premier Division clubs.

“Those who commit to purchasing a season ticket can be well rewarded by effectively having six of the games for free.

“We thank all our supporters for the tremendous backing they’ve given us in recent years and I’m sure they’ll appreciate we’re trying to give manager Mark Hume all the help we can in terms of budget for his squad for next season.”

Wright also emphasised the need to encourage younger supporters in becoming regular Matlock followers.

He said: “The younger fans represent the future of our club so this season we’re offering students who have a valid students card admission at £5 while youngsters between the ages of ten and 18 will be charged just £3.

“Those under ten will get free admission so we hope to see plenty of youngsters down at the ground cheering the team on next season at a price they can afford”.

The new season’s fixtures are expected to be known on July 17th following the release of the Premiership, Football League and Conference games.

Meanwhile the closing date for applications for head coach at Matlock Town Academy is this Sunday, May 31st.

The Academy side will consist of 16 to 18-year-olds who on the academy programme will combine education with playing football.

Games in the NPL FA League will usually take place on Wednesday afternoons or evenings and the youngsters will represent Town in the FA Youth Cup. Further information is available on the Matlock Town website www.matlocktownfc.co.uk with applications needing to be sent to Matlock’s chief executive, Keith Brown, Matlock Town FC, Causeway Lane, Matlock DE4 3AR or e mail [email protected]