Matlock Town have appointed former Boston United and Shaw Lane boss Craig Elliott as their new manager. Elliott replaces Paul Phillips who departed the Gladiators recently by mutual consent.
The 44 year-old was just one victory away from winning promotion to the National League during his stint with Boston United. Elliott was sacked by the Pilgrims in January this year and has been without a managerial job since. Before his stint with Boston United, Elliott enjoyed an outstanding spell with Shaw Lane where he won multiple promotions and also secured a promotion while in charge of Glasshoughton Welfare.
The Derbyshire outfit announced the news on their website and social media channels via a press release. In their announcement, Gladiators chairman Jason Beaumont said:
"I'm absolutely delighted to appoint a man with Craig's history and credentials as our next manager. He's been a name on a lot of people's lips and when the vacancy became available he applied immediately. From talking with him, it's very clear that his ambitions for the club are closely aligned with ours - promotion is the target."
Later on in the statement, Craig Elliott stated:
"I'm excited about getting going again doing the thing I love. I've had a nice break, the first one in 13 or 14 years, and I'm joining a fantastic club that ticks all the boxes for me. I've loved going there over the years; it's a nice ground with an excellent fan base and I can't wait to get stuck into the job.
When asked by Matlock Town's press secretary, Ian Richardson, what the club's aim is with him in charge, Elliott replied:
"Promotion definitely. I have a good record of challenging for league titles most of my career. Matlock is already in a good position and I want to build on the good foundations that are already in place. I've had five promotions, let's make it six! I know 95% of the players; they've either played for me or against me and I've watched Matlock on and off and in particular the last few games. I want us to be successful, win games and get the fans enjoying themselves when they come to matches."
Elliott's first game in charge of the Gladiators will be Matlock Town's away trip to FC United of Manchester in the NPL Premier Division on September 13. The Gladiators are currently in seventh position in the league table after seven games played and are only four points behind league leaders South Shields.
It is currently unknown as to what the arrangements will be in regards to Matlock Town's backroom staff now that a new permanent manager is in place.
The announcement of the new manager has been met with a very positive immediate reaction online from the Matlock Town fan base.
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