The Matlock and District Football League Club, which finished rock bottom of Division One last season without a point to its name - despite managing to make a cup final - was set to fold because of debts and a lack of interest in running the outfit.

However, former player Jason Pink has stepped in to keep the football club in business after brokering a sponsorship deal with Matlock’s Edgefold Club which will put the Edgefold’s name on the team’s new shirts.

For the last three years, Jason has been running the Sunday side that sprang from Peak United, Peak FC, which has enjoyed plenty of success in the Alfreton Sunday League, finishing as runaway Division Three champions last season.

Jason had, along with Ricky Wood and Mark Evans, established United five seasons ago, and he said: “A couple of weeks ago I got a call to say United were folding due to debts and a lack of people to run it.

“The club still has still got a place in my heart and I decided that if I could get a sponsor I would step into save it.”

That goal achieved, with the blessing of the Matlock League, Jason’s next task is to recruit new players.

A trial day is being held at Cavendish Playing Fields on Saturday August 2, at 1pm.

“We are looking for any players that have had a club fold or who are looking for a new challenge, or not played for a while. Everybody and anybody is welcome to come along.”

Next season promises to be wide open, with all the Matlock League teams grouped into one division.

The departure of big-hitters Cotes Park and South Wingfield, and the demise of Matlock United Reserves, also suggest that it could be the league’s most competitive season for years.