Matlock Town plot promotion as they appoint highly rated manager

Matlock Town plot promotion as they appoint a highly rated manager in Craig Elliott who was most recently at Boston United.

The announcement was made by chairman Jay Beaumont on Saturday following interviews this week. and Elliott’s first game in charge of the Gladiators is at FC United of Manchester on Tuesday night with a decent turnout expected.

DerbyshireTimes describe the 44 year old as well thought of in non league circles. He was most recently at Boston before being dismissed by the Pilgrims in January 2022.

Boston stood 7th in the National League North table when he left, but were in a relegation scrap when he arrived in November 2017.

His side missed out on a place in the National League, suffering defeat in the National League North playoff final to Altrincham and they also reached the second round proper of the FA Cup, losing to Rochdale in a replay during the 2019/20 campaign.

Prior to managing the club, he brought Shaw Lane up through the non league pyramid to the NPL Premier Division. Based in West Yorkshire, he also won promotion with Glasshoughton Welfare and was also manager at Ossett Town.

Gladiators appoint Craig Elliott as First-Team-Managerhttps://t.co/yZ3nfOTNgH @ponte01 pic.twitter.com/IMZm2Quuew

— 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗙𝗖 | Est 1878 (@Matlock_TownFC) September 10, 2022

CLUB STATEMENT:

Matlock Town have appointed Craig Elliott as their new manager following the departure of Paul Phillips last week.

The announcement was made by Chairman Jay Beaumont on Saturday following interviews this week. Elliott’s first game in charge of the Gladiators is at FC United of Manchester on Tuesday night.

Elliott (44) is well thought of in non league circles and was most recently at Boston United before being dismissed by the Pilgrims for the first time in his career in January 2022. Boston stood seventh in the National League North table when he left, but were in a relegation scrap when he arrived in November 2017. Under him, the Pilgrims narrowly missed out on a place in the National League, suffering defeat in the National League North play off final to Altrincham and they also reached the 2nd Round proper of the F A Cup losing to Rochdale in a replay during the 2019/20 campaign.

Prior to managing Boston, he brought Shaw Lane up through the non league pyramid to the NPL Premier Division. Based in West Yorkshire, he won promotion with Glasshoughton Welfare and later managed Ossett Town.

The Matlock Chairman is convinced that the club have the right man to take them to the next level and above.

“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 peoples’ 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.”

As for Elliott himself, he can’t wait to get started.

“I’m excited about getting going again, doing the thing I love. I’ve had a nice break, the first one in thirteen or fourteen 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.”

Elliott says promotion to National League North must be the aim.

“Promotion definitely” he responded when asked the question.

“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.”

Ian Richardson

Matlock Town plot promotion as they appoint highly rated manager, and this is what fans said about it…

@charliebufc: @ponte01 Good luck Craig! Will be playing Boston soon then. 👏

@EddieLackie: 👍 best of luck to CE and Matlock.

@GarethWilliam14: A great appointment, can’t wait to see how @ponte01 does. Good luck

@jawa998: Great appointment go smash it Craig

@adamhildred: That’s a cracking appointment for Matlock. Best of luck, @ponte01

@matt_benjy: An incredible appointment for Matlock, a matter of time until promotion. You have an honest, hard working manager who will always put out a team that competes with the best. Although Boston didn’t get promoted under Elliott the fans including myself will be wishing him the best!

@Will_Ostler: Was only a matter of time before he had a new job. If it was up to me, would still be at Boston. An extremely good appointment for Matlock. Completely honest and hardworking. Good luck @ponte01

@ScottMartinbufc: About time your back in the dug out !! Best of luck ⚽️

@coops0112: Cracking appointment this!

@Steve65LUFC: Congratulations Craig go well sir

@FCBuxton: Been curious to see where he ended up after not getting the Buxton job. Should definitely keep you up 👍🏻

@Steven__Jeff: Great appointment. All the best Craig.

@smilerhopper: Good luck Craig sure you will do very well there, all the ‘Shaw Lane boyz’ still rocking all over the world.

@23Wrighty: What an appointment. One game away from been a National league manager at Boston.. look how they are doing now. Good luck @ponte01 you will do another top job ⚽️

@TrailOfDebt: Huge fan of @ponte01’s time at Boston and it’s brilliant to see him back at Matlock: great club, cracking fans, lovely ground. He’ll be a superb fit there. Hope you smash it, Craig!

@BUSupporterpage: Brilliant appointment best of luck to @ponte01 @soccercoach30 etc in your new chapter 🧡🖤💙

@JoshButlerBUFC: Good appointment for them. Should have them towards the business end of that league