One in, one out at Gladiators

Wallis, 22, returns for his second spell after leaving the club originally to join Gainsborough Trinity.

He could make his second debut for the club at Stalybridge Celtic this weekend in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division.

The former Sheffield Wednesday academy player was released by the Owls in the summer of 2019 and played against the Gladiators in a pre-season game for Chesterfield shortly afterwards.

In a four year term with Wednesday he played for both their Under-18s and Under-23s team,, being part of the successful Professional Development League Two North and National Title side that finished top in 2016/17.

Wallis originally arrived at the Proctor Cars Stadium in November 2019 following a suspension received by Jon Stewart, making his debut in a 2-0 home FA Trophy victory over Redditch United.

He has more recently featured for Stamford in the Midlands Division.

With their regular first choice number one Shaun Rowley sidelined with a broken finger, Matlock turned to his deputy Paul Cooper but Gladiators boss Paul Phillips has gone for the more experienced Wallis.

“No disrespect to Coops it was probably too much too soon for him at this level," said Phillips.

"I have no doubts he’ll be a top goalkeeper in time. I’d had my eye on Dan for a while, he’s done really well at Stamford, he’s commanding and speaks well behind the back line and I just felt we needed to get someone in used to playing at this level.”

King initially departed for Frickley Athletic during the summer but returned to the Gladiators less than three weeks later. However his game time has been limited and that is the reason behind the move away from Matlock.

“Craig’s a great player, he knows there’ll always be welcome here at Matlock but understandably the lad wants to play," added Phillips.

"It’s unfortunate for him that it hasn’t worked out for him so far this season. He’s a smashing lad, a very good player and we wish him all the best for the future."