Matlock reveal retained list

Crouz, 23, joined Matlock from Belper Town but after a solid start to his spell with the Gladiators, was hit by injury and suspension and struggled to regain a regular spot in the starting line-up.

Also departing the Proctors Cars Stadium are striker Sam Scrivens, goalkeeper Kyle Trennery and Sikirulaki Hamzat, who was signed on the day of his debut, against Warrington on March 10, which proved to be his first and last appearance.

Midfielders Luke Dean and Jack Rea and full-back Ben Gordon haven’t been offered new deals but have been invited back to pre-season should they wish.

Boss Paul Phillips said: “It’s been really hard, none of them have really done anything wrong but Matlock again finished towards the bottom of the division and it’s plain to see a shake up was required.

“I’m also looking at what I hope we have coming in. Piteu, Ben and Luke live quite a way away, and as for Jack I’ve never seen him play due to injury.

“We have to look at things financially, while we’re hopeful Rob (Molloy) can have some positive impact there’s also the situation with the Coronavirus epidemic to look at.

“We like everyone else aren’t really sure what will be happening and the implications of it. I felt like a coward having to speak to players on the phone, I’m the type of bloke who’ll speak with players face to face but there was no other way.”

Long-term injury absentees Craig King and Nathan Whitehead are included on the retained list, as is former Warrington midfielder Scott Sephton who signed just prior to the lockdown.

Matlock’s full retained list is Alex Byrne, Chib Chilaka, Ben Edgson, Bailey Gooda, Spencer Harris, Luke Hinsley, Adam Kimberley, Craig King, Tomas Poole, Scott Sephton, Jon Stewart, Dan Turner, Nathan Whitehead, Dwayne Wiley and Adam Yates.