Home humbling was final straw for Atkins

Saturday's 4-0 home humbling in the EVO-STIK League's Premier Division by relegation rivals Halesowen Town proved to be the last straw for outgoing Matlock Town manager Mark Atkins, writes Ian Richardson.

The former Blackburn Rovers Premier League title winner, pictured, ended his six year tenure at the Autoworld Arena within minutes of the final whistle. With just one win in twelve league and cup matches, he left with with the Gladiators second bottom and only above local rivals Belper Town on goal difference.

The 46-year-old said: "Results haven't been good enough and I think it's best for the club and myself that I resign and leave the club. I've really enjoyed my time here, it's been my first managerial position and I've tried my hardest but it's not a nice feeling getting beat regularly and I feel I now need a fresh challenge.

"Once the injuries clear up I'm sure these lads are capable of finishing mid table at least, they'll get out of trouble, they probably just need a fresh voice to guide them. This is a great club with a lot of people working very hard behind the scenes and I'd like to thank each and every one of them for all the help they've given me while I've been at the club. But it's time for me to go and I'm sure they'll get out of trouble."

Atkins was appointed in November 2008 when he succeeded joint managers Phil Brown and Gareth Williams. He went on to save the club from relegation in his first season in charge before winning the Derbyshire Senior Cup in 2009-10.

In 2012-13, he guided the Gladiators to the FA Trophy's Second Round proper and a clash at Luton Town after wins over Conference North Stalybridge Celtic and Mansfield Town who went on to win the Conference Premier and earn promotion to the Football League. Only a last minute Hatters goal stopped Town from earning a replay at Kenilworth Road.

On Sunday, Matlock Town chairman Tom Wright paid tribute to Atkins who was assistant manager at Harrogate Town and Stalybridge Celtic and as a player also turned out for Scunthorpe United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, York City, Doncaster Rovers, Hull City and Shrewsbury Town.

"I personally and I know a lot of the other club officials had a great relationship with Mark and it's very sad the way things have turned out," said Wright. "He always worked extremely hard, in fact he worked tirelessly for the club and was Matlock Town through and through."

He added: "He was also a great ambassador for the club. Unfortunately these things happen in football but we separate on excellent terms, and we wish him all the very best wherever he goes. He knows he is welcome to come back and see us at Matlock anytime."

Interim physio Dave Rushbury, formerly manager at Chesterfield and Alfreton Town, is expected to take temporary charge when the Gladiators head to Grantham Town in top flight action on Tuesday night.

Image courtesy of www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk

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