New Matlock Town manager appointed

Former Stamford boss Drury arrives at the Gladiators following the departure of interim manager Ryan Cresswell and the club's wider backroom team following their play-off semi-final defeat at home to Bradford (Park Avenue) on Tuesday night.

The club have also announced a mass exodus of players, with just three of the squad that ended the season - Declan Lambton, Declan Eratt-Thompson and Tommy Elliott - being retained for the 2026/27 campaign.

Matlock had hoped to see midfielder Liam Ravenhill stay with the club, but he is set to move further up the football pyramid after expressing a desire to play at a higher level.

Drury enjoyed three separate spells in the Stamford dugout, the most recent of which saw him lead the club to a number of memorable moments over the last 10 years.

His former club enjoyed a remarkable FA Cup run during the 2026/17 season, defeating then-National League side Wrexham to book a first-round meeting with League Two side Hartlepool.

It was during his third stint that the club earned promotion to Step 3 by clinching the NPL Midlands Division title during the 2022/23 campaign.

Regular play-off challenges have followed, and while his former club did struggle near the bottom of the  Southern League Premier Central during the 2025/26 campaign, a turnaround during the second half of the season saw them pull well clear of relegation trouble.

Announcing his appointment, Matlock said that Drury "brings his wealth of experience, winning mentality, and tactical expertise" to the club.

They added: "Beyond results, Drury built a strong team culture focused on hard work, discipline, and attractive football.

"He developed several young players who have spoken highly of his influence, and he earned widespread respect across non-league football for his professionalism and adaptability."