Yates to reach 500 milestone for Matlock

The 31-year-old defender will enter his 11th season with the club in the 2020/21 campaign, having originally joined from Shirebrook Town in March 2009 following an impressive performance against Matlock in the 2008/09 Derbyshire Senior Cup semi-final.

Yates quickly established himself as a fan-favourite and leader, lifting the Derbyshire Senior Challenge Cup on three occasions, twice as a captain, as well as receiving the fan’s player of the year award in four seasons, including 2018/19 alongside being ranked 5th in the NPL 50th Anniversary poll of the Top 100 players

He will join the likes of Mick Fenoughty, James Lukic and Alan Lukasik when he features this weekend at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium, after the Gladiators made the decision to still include statistics from the null and void 2019/20 season.

“Never thought I would be at this stage looking back at when I first joined the club,” said Yates.

“I always followed the club as a youngster and it was a proud moment for me signing all those years ago. I couldn’t have achieved this without my father who comes to every game and my wife who has supported me throughout.”

“I have many stand-out moments, including winning the Derbyshire Senior Cup three times and lifting it personally twice.

“Many cup runs but the one that stands out was beating Mansfield Town in 2012 over two legs in the first round of FA Trophy.

“Also, being voted in the top five NPL players in the last 50 was a shock, to be named in the same breath as Jamie Vardy, Robbie Dale and Grant Holt was fantastic.”

This campaign will see Yates wear the captain's armband again for the Gladiators, as well as being named club ambassador, while teammate Liam Hughes has been named as the match-day captain.

“It’s always an honour captaining the side and always I always give 100% when I put that shirt on,” said Yates.

“I have made many lifelong friends at the club, not just players but managers, staff volunteers and fans.

“A club like Matlock wouldn’t be anything without its loyal fans and volunteers and hopefully this year we can bring the club success and personally I am determined to make this year's league campaign a successful one.”