Matlock Town part company with manager Adam Clayton

The decision was announced in the wake of a 4-2 defeat at Redcar Athletic on Wednesday night which saw the Steelmen clinch the NPL East Division title with six games to spare.

Matlock remain well-placed to secure a spot in the play-offs, with a 10-point cushion to sixth-placed Bradford Park Avenue. Despite this, they trail Emley by a point in the race for second - a position which would guarantee both a home play-off semi-final and final, should the Gladiators make it that far.

In a statement released on Thursday, the club cited disappointing results against the sides around them in the table as the primary reason for Clayton's departure.

It has yet to be confirmed who will take charge of Saturday's trip to Garforth Town.

A Matlock statement read: "Matlock Town can confirm that this morning, manager Adam Clayton has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.

"The decision is based on recent results. Since the start of February, the club has played the five teams positioned closest in the table, losing all five.

"The club believes this form is not what is required to secure the best play-off position, nor is it ideal preparation for the end-of-season play-offs themselves."

It is actually the second time this season that Matlock have made the decision to part ways with Clayton.

He was relieved of his duties in late 2025 after a 3-0 defeat at Ossett United on Boxing Day, before being reinstated just days later after a remarkable U-turn by the club.

At the time of Clayton's reinstatement, another former Matlock boss, Ryan Cresswell, was brought back into the fold as assistant manager.

The decision to dismiss Clayton brings to an end his time in permanent charge after less than a year, having only taken over last summer after ending the 2024/25 season in interim charge.