Skipper set to reach new milestone

Matlock Town fans are looking forward to their skipper Adam Yates breaking through the four hundred appearances barrier after he penned a new deal for the 2017-18 EVO-STIK Northern Premier League season.

Yates, signed from Shirebrook Town in March 2009 and now widely rated as one of the best defenders in the EVO-STIK NPL's top flight, was made club captain last season and is pictured signing a new deal over the weekend.

Joint Gladiators managers Craig Hopkins and Glenn Kirkwood, who are aiming to retain the majority of their squad from last season, told supporters they were "delighted" that Yates was staying at the DCJ Group Arena.

Kirkwood said: "Yatesy’s a top, top defender, a hugely popular figure and a great lad who we’re proud to have as our captain. He loves playing for Matlock Town and the fans think the world of him and rightly so, we’re delighted to have him on board again.”

Looking ahead to the new season, he added: “When we got the job we knew where we wanted to take the club. We just enjoy winning football games. It’s a matter of me and Hoppo being as positive as we can, being as humble as possible as we both get on with lots of rival managers and working as hard as we can.

"The lads ran through brick walls for us last season and for whatever reason we just came up short. If we can add a little more quality, depth and a bit more competition for places then I think we should be okay.”

The Gladiators, celebrating the decision of main sponsors MVIS Ltd to renew their shirt sponsorship of the club's first and academy teams, have also frozen ticket prices for the 2017-18 campaign after fans flocked to see them play in ever increasing numbers last term.

After lining up a pre-season programme against the likes of Mansfield Town and Chesterfield, Matlock Town chairman Tom Wright is hoping to build on their success at the turnstiles.

Wright said: "We were really pleased and encouraged as crowds increased last season so we are keeping admission prices the same and we hope that our fans will back us again and new supporters will come down to watch their local side in what we hope will be another exciting season.”

Images courtesy of @Matlock_TownFC

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