Back to the future suits stalwart!

21 Aug 2017 By David Watters

Matlock Town's Tony Knowles was feeling a distinct sense of déjà vu during Matlock Town's 1-0 win over Altrincham in the EVO-STIK League's top flight on Saturday.

Not that he minded. Nearly five decades after proudly sitting on the Gladiators bench in 1969 as a nine-year-old mascot for a match against the Robins during the club's first season in the EVO-STIK League and only a year after the competition's founding in 1968, the 57-year-old fan and Gladiators official was back on the touchline for their weekend win as the club's emergency kitman!

The secretary at Hucknall Town for a decade before returning to the Gladiators following the club's well publicised troubles in 2013, Knowles is currently the FA Charter Standard coordinator at the DCJ Group Insurance Arena and a member of the management committee at Causeway Lane.

After reprising his touchline role, a proud Knowles, pictured showing off the Derbyshire Senior Cup after the Gladiators triumph last term, said: "The last time I was on the bench for Matlock versus Altrincham was back in 1969 in the club's first season in the Northern Premier League. I was the mascot then and delighted to be back as covering kitman! I was in my element in the dugout at the coalface of Non-League football!"

Benched: Tony Knowles during a previous touchline stint

Images courtesy of Matlock Town & Tony Knowles

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Next generation:The stalwart with the Derbyshire County FA Cup after Matlock's reserves lifted the trophy last term

Fan and official: Tony Knowles

Where next?

Twins launch their own Olympic bid! Footballing twins Charlie and Danny Taylor are hoping that turning out for Loughborough Dynamo in the EVO-STIK League will turn them into Olympians!

Matchday experience just got better Proud members of the Hednesford Town Supporters Association are looking forward to seeing disabled fans enjoying matches in comfort again after unveiling a new purpose-built shelter at the home of the EVO-STIK League’s Pitmen.