Double act depart after slump in form

EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Matlock Town are set to unveil a new managerial team on Thursday after parting company with joint managers Dave Rushbury and Martin Foster.

Gladiators officials announced on Wednesday night that the pair, pictured, had left the Autoworld Arena by mutual consent and that they expected to name their new manager in time to prepare for hosting Ashton United on Saturday.

In a statement announcing their departures, officials said the pair left following discussions over recent performances and results in the league that has left the club fourth from bottom and in a fight against relegation.

Rushbury and Foster were installed on a full time basis at the end of October after an initial six games in charge as caretakers following the resignation of Mark Atkins in the wake of the Derbyshire club's disappointing start to the campaign.

As temporary managers, they guided the club to three wins, a draw and two defeats. But since taking over on a permanent basis, results have slumped with just one win in the league since and a meagre five points accrued in ten outings.

Ironically, one of their best results came in their last game in charge, a shock 3-1 win at Conference Premier neighbours Alfreton Town in the Derbyshire Senior Cup on Tuesday night.

Matlock Town chairman Tom Wright said: "We'd like to thank both David and Martin for the tremendous hard work and commitment they put into their work in their short but very difficult spell as joint managers at the club.

"Football unfortunately is a results driven business and five points from the last ten games has put us in a difficult league position. They are both great lads and naturally everybody at the club wished them well in the future."

Rushbury said: "Martin and myself are both sad to go but we wish the club the very best and we'd both like to thank all the fans for the support they've shown us while we've been at Matlock."

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