Matlock search for their third manager of the season after boss leaves for Buxton

Matlock Town are on the search for their third manager of the season after boss Craig Elliott leaves for National League North side Buxton.

The news emerged on Sunday and it’s dealt a huge blow for the Gladiators after Elliott had been gradually ‘remoulding’ the side following the departure of Paul Phillips in September.

Buxton chairman Dave Hopkins put in a request to Matlock’s chairman Jay Beaumont for permission to speak to Elliott on Friday and by Sunday afternoon, the former Boston United boss confirmed to Beaumont that he would be accepting Buxton’s offer.

The Bucks previously lost Jamie Vermiglio as their boss a week ago when he resigned due to increasing personal commitments.

The Gladiators chairman says he is disappointed to lose Elliott but understands the desire to manage at as high a level as possible.

The board of directors would like to thank Sean Newton and Josh Granite for taking the helm this week as caretaker managers, leading the team to victories in both games.

(2/2)#UpTheBucks | #TeamBuxton pic.twitter.com/sKBnVzzBau

— Buxton Football Club (@Buxton_FC) December 11, 2022

MATLOCK STATEMENT

The news emerged this weekend and is a huge blow for the Gladiators with Elliott gradually remoulding the Matlock side following the departure of Paul Phillips in September.

Buxton Chairman Dave Hopkins asked Matlock’s Chairman Jay Beaumont for permission to speak to Elliott on Friday and on Sunday afternoon the former Boston United boss confirmed to Mr Beaumont that he would be accepting Buxton’s offer.

The Bucks lost Jamie Vermiglio as team boss a week ago when he resigned due to increasing personal commitments.

The Gladiators Chairman says he is disappointed to lose Elliott but understands Elliott’s desire to manage at as high a level as possible.

“Whilst having only known Craig for three months, it has been very obvious what a good manager and person he is and it was no surprise when I received a call asking for permission to talk to him. I’m a believer that in life you can’t stand in the way of people wanting to progress. I did tell him that undoubtedly I wanted him to stay on as manager of our great club but at the same time I was happy for him to talk to Buxton. The decision had to be his.”

Mr Beaumont said Matlock’s loss would be Buxton’s gain.

“He’s worked tremendously hard during the past three months and I’m convinced he was rebuilding a very good side for us. I’d like to thank him for all that he’s done and wish him well for the future.”

Assistants John McDermott and Richard Boryszczuk will also be going to Buxton, ironically their last match in charge of Matlock was the 2-1 Derbyshire Senior Cup defeat by the Bucks on Tuesday night.

Anyone interested in becoming the Gladiators new team manager is asked to contact Mr Beaumont on 07817 712063 or emailing him at Jason.beaumont@matlocktownfc.co.uk

Ian Richardson

BUXTON STATEMENT:

Craig Elliott has been appointed team manager of Buxton FC. “We are delighted that Craig has accepted the offer and look forward to working with him,” said club chairman David Hopkins.

Best known as manager at National League North side Boston United, Craig took them from relegation candidates to promotion challengers during his four-year stay. Prior to managing Boston he guided Yorkshire side Shaw Lane up through football’s league pyramid to a place in the Northern Premier League. For the last three months he has been in charge at Matlock Town.

“Craig has all the experience and an abundance of enthusiasm to consolidate our position in the National League North, He shares our considerable ambitions,” David Hopkins said.

Craig is going to rely on the up-to-the minute views of caretaker managers Josh Granite and Sean Newton ahead of Tuesday’s league clash at Leamington. The pair have led the Bucks to victories in the two games since Jamie Vermiglio resigned for personal reasons.

“I know several of the team and I’ll get to know the rest of what looks like an excellent squad very quickly, leaning a bit on Josh and Sean along the way. I can’t wait to get started.”

This is what fans had to say as Matlock search for their third manager of the season after their boss leaves for Buxton…

@tom_rothwell36: That’s going to go down well 😳

@smilerhopper: Well done Craig certainly going up in world and ground altitude too. Snow tyres on your car now.

@19Robert94: Welcome to Buxton 👍 ⚽️

@phillips_finlay: Let him build his own team tho 💡😂😂

@Vintagesteve2: Well done Josh and Newts, welcome to the club Mr.Elliott.

@davbrno: Congratulations Craig, Richard and John. All the very best at Buxton FC. Well done Josh & Sean – two incredible leaders and human beings. Up the Bucks. 👍🏻⚽️💙.

@craytay7: Will Craig Elliott have full charge of the 1st Team, or will Diego and Danny Hopkins still have a big say?

@will_stanser: That’ll go down a treat 😬

@matlockowl: Well thank god thats over with. At least he tried to play better football than kitrick but Jesus the bloke is no man manager or peoples person!

@Tom_Atkins107: Ouch 😅 not what the club needed. Fingers crossed whoever comes in next can work with the squad as there’s been a lot of chopping and changing lately

@MarkBucks66: Welcome to Buxton FC Craig, good luck for the rest of season.

@BuxtonBen_: Maybe next time for me then 🙁 joking aside welcome Craig! Mega appointment that 💙

@Rob15333645: Welcome to Buxton 🦌 good luck. Solid managerial record. Onwards and upwards we go.

@travsta1: Thank god for that poor manager and a rubbish attitude. Let’s get a grip @Matlock_TownFC like a carnival at the minute. We had become a solid club with a squad and a decent manager

Got Shaw Lane three promotions and Boston to the nln final🤔

— Sbuck (@Sbuck16832118) December 11, 2022