Adam Clayton appointed Matlock boss until end of season

The 36-year-old midfielder joined the Gladiators in a combined player-coach role back in October, having previously made over 500 appearances in the Football League.

He has featured 23 times for the club since his arrival, scoring twice.

Having worked under former boss Ryan Cresswell, who was dismissed at the weekend after just six months in charge, Clayton has now been asked to lead the club forward for the remainder of the season.

Joining Clayton in the dugout will be experienced coach Steve Eyre, who has a long background of professional coaching experience which includes a 21-year spell at Manchester City.

During his time at the Premier League champions, Eyre was part of the elite coaching team which guided their youngsters to five league titles and the 2008 FA Youth Cup.

Eyre was previously the manager at Rochdale, and has also been coach or assistant manager at clubs including Huddersfield Town, Chesterfield, Doncaster Rovers and Fleetwood Town.

On the appointment, Clayton said: "I'm very excited by the challenge and am confident we can change the fortunes of what is a very good squad of players.

"It was disappointing to lose the manager as Ryan is a great guy and one of the reasons why I came here. But he really wants us to succeed and has given me his blessing in terms of taking the job on.

"I think the continuity will be beneficial to the group in terms of there being no period of uncertainty or getting to grips with who is here.

"I know the players and what they're capable of, but also know the issues that are there and they'll be attacked from the off.

"It's a really good chance to show what we're about. This is largely the same squad that was at the top of the form guide for 14 games, so it's now about injecting a bit of confidence and belief and also changing the mentality.

"Confidence is crucial at any level, and a win will bring that and hopefully turn the momentum. We need to build an identity and approach to take into games."

Clayton's first game in charge will be at home to already-relegated Blyth Spartans this weekend.

With seven league games remaining, the Gladiators are in desperate need of points and find themselves four points from safety after Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Bamber Bridge.