Rushbury hails his touchline partner

Dave Rushbury has heaped praise on his young managerial partner Martin Foster for his "huge contribution" since the pair took over at EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Matlock Town from former boss Mark Atkins, writes Ian Richardson.

Foster and Rushbury, pictured, initially took temporary charge after Atkins resigned at the start of October before being named as his permanent successors in joint roles four weeks later.

In the run-up to a busy festive period for the Gladiators, Rushbury, 58, revealed on Thursday how much he was enjoying working alongside Foster, 37, in the latter's first managerial post.

Rushbury said: "He's the key to how we operate. He's been an absolute rock both on and off the field. He's worked tirelessly on his fitness and also looked at the opposition as well as speaking with a lot of players. He's been like a Duracell battery and also shown the exact physical and mental approach to get back playing if needed."

Foster fractured a leg in pre-season at Handsworth Parramore in July but fought his way back to fitness to make a couple of recent cameo appearances as a substitute and Rushbury is delighted with the example he's set to their squad.

He added: "He's been a positive change for us both times he's come on. He's taken on the mantle of playing because he has that hunger still to do it.

"But he's there in a supportive role to the lads rather than saying he's still a player. The good thing is that the lads respect him as a person and for his ability and that's important."

Image courtesy of www.derbytelegraph.co.uk

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