Atkins era is over after manager steps down

Mark Atkins has resigned as Matlock Town manager after nearly six years at the helm of the EVO-STIK League's Gladiators.

The 46-year-old, pictured, stepped down on Saturday evening within hours of the club's 4-0 defeat at home to Halesowen Town in the Premier Division.

His assistant Nick Buxton also left the Autoworld Arena after their side's fifth defeat of the campaign. The Gladiators have won just once this term and their latest reverse leaves them second from bottom in the EVO-STIK's top flight and only above Belper Town on goal difference.

Town's officials are expected to issue a statement over the weekend on the departure of Atkins and his number two and their plans to replace the duo before a trip to Grantham Town in league action on Tuesday night.

As a player, Atkins won the Premier League title with Blackburn Rovers and also turned out for Scunthorpe United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, York City, Doncaster Rovers, Hull City and Shrewsbury Town.

He was appointed as Matlock manager in November 2008 and saved the club from relegation in his first season in charge before winning the Derbyshire Senior Cup in 2009-10. Before joining the Gladiators, Atkins was assistant manager at Harrogate Town and Stalybridge Celtic.

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | The NPL group on Facebook by clicking here: www.facebook.com/groups/TheNPL/