Skipper to be honoured before kick-off

Signed from Shirebrook Town in March 2009, supporters will see the 28-year-old's milestone appearance against Sutton Coldfield Town at the DCJ Group Arena marked before kick-off with a special presentation on the pitch.

Yates, who signed a new deal in May to remain a Gladiator for the 2017-2018 campaign, succeeded John Lukic as captain in 2016. He made his Gladiators debut as a late substitute on March 8 2009 when Matlock secured an equally late victory over FC United of Manchester. He'd been brought to the club by then manager Mark Atkins following an impressive performance against the Gladiators for Shirebrook Town in the Derbyshire Senior Cup semi-final.

Looking back on his debut in an interview for the club's website to mark his milestone appearance, he said: “It feels like yesterday. It never crossed my mind that I would play 400 games never mind captain the side.

“I just wanted to play football and break into the first team because it was a totally different level from what I’d been used to with Shirebrook. But also that knowledge I’d gained at both Bolsover and Shirebrook put me in good stead for what was to come here at Matlock."

Yates told supporters that he was still grateful to Atkins, a man he will always hold in high regard, and is proud of the progress the club has made in recent seasons.

Pictured collecting the Derbyshire Senior Cup last season, he said: “I must thank him for giving me the chance, he obviously saw something in me and I think and hope I’ve rewarded him for the faith he had. It’s been great to see the club develop. It’s come a long way in my time here, changing totally with the new facilities and is unrecognisable from when I first joined.

"The people who make the club tick are still here. There’s been changes in management in the last year or two but as well as playing for the managers, I like to feel I’m playing for the club as well because it’s a real family club that has made me and all of my family most welcome."

He added: "The club lives within its means and it has looked after me. I’ve tried to perform to the best of my ability, week in, week out, that’s the way I am.”

Joint Gladiators boss Glenn Kirkwood and Matlock Town chairman Tom Wright also paid tribute to the club's skipper ahead of the weekend's action.

“He’s been top draw in Hoppo and my time in charge. He’s a real leader and our captain, a brilliant player and deserves all the accolades he gets,” said Kirkwood.

Wright added: “Adam’s a very popular lad at the club and a true ambassador for Matlock Town. It’s a real pleasure to watch him play. I’m sure our fans will turn out on Saturday to give him the appreciation and thanks he undoubtedly deserves."

Image courtesy of @JoshuaJPE/Twitter

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | Facebook www.facebook.com/evostikleague