Matlock explain decision to reinstate manager Adam Clayton just two days after sacking him

Matlock Town explain the surprise decision to reinstate manager Adam Clayton just two days after sacking him.

The club parted company with Clayton over poor recent results, including a loss to Ossett a day before his sacking, although sit third in the table, and are 7 points behind leaders Redcar Athletic in the Northern Premier League – East Division following relegation the previous season.

Assistant Steve Eyre also departed. Just two days later, the club reinstated Clayton as manager, appointing former manager Ryan Cresswell as his assistant.

Tweets and social media posts have been deleted, comments on them have also been disabled as a growing number of fans gave their opinion on it.

STATEMENT ON SACKING CLAYTON:

The statement read: “Adam has worked tirelessly since his appointment to try and put us in a strong position with regard to securing promotion back to step three following our relegation last season.

“However, too many results have fallen short of the standards expected and it is felt a fresh approach will benefit the club’s immediate and long-term future.

“Assistant manager Steve Eyre has also left the club. We wish to place on record our thanks to Adam and Steve for their efforts with Matlock Town and wish them nothing but the best in their future endeavours.”

STATEMENT ON REINSTATING CLAYTON:

Matlock Town FC can confirm that a decision has been taken to reinstate Adam Clayton as the club’s first team manager.

Whilst this may well come as a surprise to many given our previous announcement on Saturday, there are many reasons why it has now been decided to retain Adam in his role, as well as to appoint Ryan Cresswell as assistant manager.

Gladiators owner David Hilton explains: “We received an approach for Adam from a bigger club higher in the pyramid. We notified Adam of this but due to the investment and the potential to unsettle us we decided to not allow those discussions to take place until our season was complete.

“We later felt that this was unfair on Adam and that the situation had the potential to impact us regardless.

“After the Ossett game, the club decided to release Adam from his contract in order to allow him to move on. We felt that a fresh approach was required due to the situation having the potential to distract people at a vital time in our season.

“After his release and his discussions with the other club and his family, Adam declined the offer of the new position and requested that he be reinstated at Matlock and allowed to finish what he had started with us and with the group of players he had recruited.

“The club decided that after last year’s revolving door of players, and with only four months left of the current season that sees us in a relatively strong league position, Adam was absolutely the best man to help us achieve our ambition. His relationship and bond with myself, our board of directors, staff and his players is a strong one and is seen to be virtually irreplaceable at this stage of the season.

“As the opportunity arose, the club has decided to bring back former manager Ryan Cresswell, a trusted ally to Adam, as the assistant manager and also as our defensive coach. Ryan initially brought Adam to the club and has a wealth of experience managing at the level with a much lower budget. He is also a vastly experienced former EFL defender with excellent contacts and is known to and liked by many of our existing players, staff, board and I.

“While the earlier decision was taken with the club’s long‑term welfare in mind, further reflection and continued dialogue highlighted the importance of stability, continuity, and a shared direction.

“As a club, we all deeply value the passion and commitment of our supporters and remain steadfast in our ambition to realise our vision with Adam and Ryan leading the team.

“I now encourage our terrific fanbase to get behind the management and the team as we continue our push for a promotion place.”

Here’s what fans are saying as Matlock explain the decision to reinstate manager Adam Clayton just two days after sacking him…

@Lancsiron: Nowt on @Matlock_TownFC official twitter but…. Seems chaos is happening with Big Dave in charge…

@scunonysnicket:
Chaos ✅
“Hilton” ✅
The fun just getting started at Matlock

@oli_woolley03: Completely normal behaviour going on at Matlock I see 👀

@sarahfinn8: This is a super story 😂 Love the honesty!

Chris Howarth: Surely the simple thing to do would have been let him go for the other job then decide what you’re going to say to the fanbase. If what was said in the statement is how the board actually feel then fair play to Adam for wanting to still come back!! I think he has been great and got them playing some attractive football that looks like they have a plan which is better than under previous managers recently. Good luck Adam and thanks for coming back!!

Luke Travis: The statement clearly stated matlock decided to let him go due to the poor form of the team and the owner stated we should be achieving more….. you cant contradict yourself when its in black and white on social media. Either its down to him wanting a new job or him not being goof enough!?

Stephen Adamson: Ridiculous to sack him in the first place….

Jon Sellors: Communication is key to keeping the bond & trust between club & fanbase strong. It seems the lack of clarity on the weekends decision only created a strain as displayed in many a FB comment. We all understand a lot of what goes on behind the scenes is needed to be kept out of the public domain but I think moving forward as much club information that can be put out should be. We all want what’s best & anything to stop the jungle drums beating out mistruths is welcome.