Matlock make first summer signings

The Derbyshire-born midfielder initially joined the Robins on a one-month loan from Mickleover in August 2022, but made the move permanent in October.

Since then, he has made 53 appearances for the club, before joining Nantwich Town on loan in January.

Milner began his professional career in 2017 for the Norwegian side Valdres.

He returned to the UK to take up a youth contract at Chesterfield, before moving to the Northern Premier League with the likes of Belper Town, Stafford Rangers and Mickleover.

On his new signing, Gladiators boss Nicky Law said: "He'll fill one of our key positions now we've sorted the back line, he's got good knowledge of this level of football, good energy and legs and he's a great character, just what we've been looking for.

"He's had other offers but to be fair to him he's gone about things the right way and it shows what a good character he is."

Joining him at the Proctor Cars Stadium next season is defender Josh Ashman.

Ashman, 20, is a former Sheffield Wednesday Academy graduate who captained the Owls' U21 side prior to his release last year.

He subsequently joined the Lions where he featured 25 times in all competitions.

Manager Nicky Law states that Ashman's arrival is a part of his plan to bring younger players to the forefront at Matlock.

"Eventually I want to bring down the average age of the squad by signing younger players that are competent at this level," he said.

"Josh fits the bill after a season at Guiseley and fingers
crossed we can see him develop and improve.

"I don’t want to find myself in a position at the start of every season where we have to rebuild, I want to build a squad that we can keep together.”

In other news, the club have announced that Joe West has committed his future to the Gladiators.

The 24-year-old left-back was Matlock's highest appearance maker last season with 47 caps, and was awarded the Player's Player of the Season.

Speaking on West's contract extension, Law said: "He’s dependable, reliable and well thought of at the club but the reason I’ve kept him is because he’s a good player at a good age.

"I feel we can make him a better player so he’s a good re-addition if you like."