GLADS OFFER A REWARD TO NHS HEROES
MATLOCK TOWN Town are offering NHS workers a free season ticket when football resumes – even though they are looking to raise a £15,000 void caused by the Covid-19 outbreak.
In a gesture to praise the outstanding work of NHS staff during the current crisis, the BetVictor Northern Premier Division club will honour any valid ID holder free entry to the Autoworld Arena for the 2020-21 season.
At the same time, however, the Gladiators have launched a crowdfunding scheme to bridge the income from home games lost through the entry curtailment of the season..
In particular, a potentially-lucrative clash with FC United was lost, while the club have also have to cancel a forthcoming dinner with Ex-West Ham and England striker Tony Cottee, functions in the Shorts Lounge and the Matlock Music Festival, scheduled for July.
But, despite the club’s troubles, Gladiators vice-chairman Bryn Apperley has expressed the importance of NHS workers receiving full recognition as they work in unprecedented and difficult times, risking their lives to help others.
“What the NHS are doing is tremendous,” Apperley said. “In these uncertain times it’s good to know they are there. We’ve no financial backing to offer but when we’re playing we can offer a good game of football at one of the nicest grounds with the nicest people in the country.”
NHS workers can obtain their free season ticket, worth £180, by visiting the club shop when season tickets go on sale before the start of next season.
The Gladiators endured a difficult season, finishing just outside the relegation places before the premature curtailment, under new manager Paul Phillips.
The club have already raised over a third of their £15,000 target, to donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ donatetothegatemtfc