New boss Law busy shaping Gladiators

NICKY Law says it has been a busy first week in charge of Matlock Town.

Law became the new manager of the Gladiators, who play in the Pitching In NPL Premier Division, last week.

The 62-year-old was most recently head of recruitment at Premier League club Burnley.

His management career began at Chesterfield and he has also been in charge at other clubs, including non-League Alfreton Town, who he steered to the Conference North title in 2010-11.

Now he is focused on bringing success to the Gladiators and is starting to shape his squad.

“The big thing so far has been speaking to the players, deciding who’s leaving and who we want to keep, but also speaking to potential new players,” said Law.

“What I want to do is to get some new lads in as soon as I can.

“It’s always a tough time at this part of the year, it’s what I call the most expensive period but it is what it is and we have to get the numbers in we need.”

Law added that he was satisfied with the way things are progressing in the search for new signings.

“It’s a positive that I’ve had a good response from players about joining,” he added.

“The aim is to get three or four in as soon as possible and then see what happens after that.”

And regarding the current Gladiators squad, Law added: “Three players have been offered terms, two or three more have been asked to return in pre-season, no final decision has been made regarding the remainder.”

Meanwhile, there are just over 500 tickets remaining for the Gladiators’ home pre-season friendly against Chesterfield on Saturday, July 6 (3pm).

Matlock’s ticketing officer Graham Mumby said: “To sell over threequarters of the allocated tickets in just about a week is fantastic, it just shows how popular this game is.

“A big thank you to all who have purchased a ticket.

“Don’t hesitate to buy now as we expect the remaining tickets to be snapped up very soon.”