Milestone skipper sets next target

24 Oct 2016 By David Watters

Matlock Town skipper Adam Yates is hoping he has the legs to double his appearances tally after passing another milestone for the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Gladiators.

The defender, pictured, produced another defensive masterclass against Halesowen Town last Tuesday night as he celebrated his 350th competitive appearance with a clean sheet in the club's 3-0 victory at The Grove in the EVO-STIK NPL's top flight.

Signed by former manager Mark Atkins from Shirebrook back in 2009, if he can stay injury free the 27-year-old should have a great chance of overhauling Gladiators legends Mick Fenoughty and James Lukic who both have well in excess of 600 appearances under their Matlock colours.

Yates, who's twice been named by fans as their player of the year, admits he is surprised with how things have turned out but would be more than happy to follow in the footsteps of Lukic in particular, even if he doesn't end up matching him in the appearances stakes at Causeway Lane.

He told fans in a special interview at the weekend to mark his milestone: "I'm not sure I have it in the legs. But you have to take your hat off to Luky, he was not only a tremendous defender but a great skipper who played and led by example.

"I owe a lot to Mark Atkins who showed and kept great faith in me and playing alongside James Lukic was fantastic. I've learned everything off him and although I'm a different kind of player as I get older I can see myself having his traits as I grow into the captain's role now."

Yates, who started out at Chesterfield and has also turned out for Belper Town, added: "When I signed I never believed I would go on to reach the 350 appearance mark. I didn't think I would even break into the side but things have turned out brilliant for me."

Joint Gladiators managers Craig Hopkins and Glenn Kirkwood have no doubt about their skipper's worth. Kirkwood told supporters before Saturday's 1-0 win at Marine: "Yatesy's tremendous. He plays to the same high standard, week in, week out, and we're really glad we have him here at Matlock."

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Where next?

New touchline team only days away Warrington Town's fans can expect their new touchline team to be in place within days after the passing of Friday's deadline for candidates to come forward for the challenge at the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League club.

Clubs meeting for final update The EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's chairmen and secretaries are getting together near Leeds on Thursday night for the last of three regional meetings to update them on the latest plans and initiatives.