Stewart is Matlock number one

Stewart, 31, had a mixed first season - not conceding a goal from open play in his first five games as the Gladiators led the league earlier in the season.

But after Matlock’s form dipped, Stewart was banned by the FA for an alleged breach of betting regulations and then the club had to deal with the tragic death of midfielder Jordan Sinnott.

Stewart was then seriously injured after being electrocuted in an accident at work, which ruled him out for the campaign.

He said: “We all had high hopes when I first signed, I was happy to sign for a good club who I’d enjoyed playing against previously.

“It all started so well, we were winning games and everything looked fine but then issues from my past caught up with me, it took me by surprise. I received the ban but the club backed me one hundred per cent which I really appreciate. Then came Jordan’s death which knocked the stuffing out of a lot of the players.

“I was at work and on a windy and rainy day I was electrocuted as 11,000 volts went through my body. The doctors said they couldn’t believe I was still here, nor could my family. I was in hospital for just under a week and had to take things easy for a good while after that. Again the club stood by me from day one which I’ll never forget.

“We’re looking towards having a really good season and I was really happy to sign for the club who’ve been brilliant with me. From the five or six sessions we’ve done so far, we look to have a really competitive side and I expect us to be up there challenging. I want to thank everyone at the club for backing me and also the fans for sticking by me and I can assure everyone that we’ll all play aggressively and want to win every single game we play. Everyone that’s here is here to play for the right reasons, myself included. The big man’s back!”

Manager Paul Phillips said: “It’s great news, for me he’s the best goalkeeper in this league.

“It was a frustrating time for him last season with his injury problems and other issues but he’s back and he’s raring to go. He’s got a big presence, both on the field and in the dressing room and if you’re going to do well in the league, he’s the type of character you need in your side.”