Adam Clayton reinstated as Matlock Town boss after sacking U-turn

Clayton, who first took charge of the Gladiators on a permanent basis over the summer, was relieved of his duties after the club's 3-0 defeat at Ossett United on Boxing Day.

Matlock were sat third in the NPL East Division at the time of his departure.

However, the club have since gone back on that decision and brought Clayton back into the fold ahead of their New Year's Day clash with Silsden.

Furthermore, former Gladiators boss Ryan Cresswell - who left the club after just six months in charge and was subsequently replaced by Clayton - has been brought in as their new assistant manager.

Matlock say that Clayton was the subject of a recent approach from a club higher up the football pyramid, which was the primary factor behind his initial departure.

Explaining the decision to reinstate their former boss, owner David Hilton said: “We notified Adam of this [approach], but due to the investment and the potential to unsettle us, we decided to not allow those discussions to take place until our season was complete.

“We later felt that this was unfair on Adam and that the situation had the potential to impact us regardless.

“After the Ossett game, the club decided to release Adam from his contract in order to allow him to move on. We felt that a fresh approach was required due to the situation having the potential to distract people at a vital time in our season.

“After his release and his discussions with the other club and his family, Adam declined the offer of the new position and requested that he be reinstated at Matlock and allowed to finish what he had started with us, and with the group of players he had recruited.

“The club decided that after last year’s revolving door of players, and with only four months left of the current season that sees us in a relatively strong league position, Adam was absolutely the best man to help us achieve our ambition.

"His relationship and bond with myself, our board of directors, staff and his players is a strong one, and is seen to be virtually irreplaceable at this stage of the season.

“As the opportunity arose, the club has decided to bring back former manager Ryan Cresswell, a trusted ally to Adam, as the assistant manager and also as our defensive coach.

"Ryan initially brought Adam to the club and has a wealth of experience managing at the level with a much lower budget. He is also a vastly experienced former EFL defender with excellent contacts, and is known to and liked by many of our existing players, staff, board and I.

“While the earlier decision was taken with the club’s long‑term welfare in mind, further reflection and continued dialogue highlighted the importance of stability, continuity, and a shared direction.

“As a club, we all deeply value the passion and commitment of our supporters and remain steadfast in our ambition to realise our vision with Adam and Ryan leading the team."