Hannah set for friendly return

Manager Mark Atkins’ desire for more home pre-season friendlies has been satisfied to the full as Matlock Town announced their sixth warm up game at the Autoworld Arena.

Conference Premier side Grimsby Town come to Matlock on Friday, July 18, which should see the return of a former Gladiators hero.

Ross Hannah, who was Matlock’s record goalscorer in a single season when he hit 52 league and cup goals in 2010/11 prior to moving to Bradford City, should lead the Mariners’ attack.

His return should see a healthy crowd turn up for the game as he is one of Matlock’s most popular players in modern times.

Grimsby are the latest full-time outfit to visit the Autoworld with the other five coming from the Football League.

Matlock’s home pre-season programme is certainly impressive with Derby County, Chesterfield, Leicester City, Sheffield Wednesday and Mansfield Town all on parade in the Derbyshire Dales.

Atkins said: “Previously we’ve had a lot of away matches in pre-season and I was keen to change that so we could have a better standard of opposition to play.

“I think we’ve certainly got that as through the various contacts we’ve got at the club we’ve got some very good games, ones that our fans should enjoy.

“The latest one we’ve managed to fix with Grimsby is obviously a great one to have, particularly with Ross (Hannah) potentially playing against us.”

Matlock’s squad, plus any potential additions, report back for training on Tuesday, June 24, just nine days ahead of their opening pre season outing against Derby County on Thursday, July 3.

Meanwhile the Gladiators have announced that season ticket and gate prices have been frozen for the new campaign.

Season tickets are now available for purchase from the club shop (01629 583866) and are priced at £150 for adults and £92 for concessions. Holders can gain free admission to all home reserve and under-19 fixtures.

Admission on the day remains at £9 for adults, £5.50 for concessions with juniors under 15 being charged £2 with a fee-paying adult.