Striker Steve Taylor and midfielder Steve Circuit decided to call it a day after clocking up 478 competitive appearances between them.

“They've been excellent players, loyal servants and outstanding for a good few years. Both lads gave everything they'd got and it's been a pleasure to have them at the club.

“We'll miss them both immensely but we fully understand their reasons for calling it a day,” said Brown.

Thirty four year old Taylor joined the Gladiators from South Normanton Athletic back in March 2000, having previously been at both his home town club Chesterfield and Mansfield Town.

He has scored 115 goals in 312 appearances and the former supporters’ player-of-the-year’s tally would surely have been far greater but for a niggling back injury.

Circuit, 36, began his career with Sheffield United and has also turned out for Boston United and Gainsborough Trinity before a move to Alfreton Town.

Since arriving at Matlock in November 2003 he has proved a versatile and consistent performer.

His two goals came in a home defeat to Gateshead in December 2005 and a home victory over North Ferriby United in August 2006.

Like Taylor, he has won a UniBond First Division runners-up medal, plus winners and losing finalist medals in both the UniBond League Challenge Cup and Derbyshire Senior Cup as well as being an integral part of the side which reached the UniBond Premier Division play offs in 2006/07.

“I've had a brilliant time at Matlock,” said Taylor.

“There's been loads of good times, probably too many to mention.

“My 100th goal at Leek was memorable and perhaps my best moment although it took a while to come (Taylor reached his century of goals on 2 January 2006, having scored his 99th against Leek back in March 2005).

“I can also remember well the four I scored when we beat Gretna 7-0 and Will Davies also got a hat trick.”

But he explained: “Injuries are taking longer to heal and we've now got three children and I want to spend more time with the family.

“I shall still come down to watch from time to time and I will always be a supporter of Matlock Town as I have many fond memories of my time here. I'd just like to thank everyone connected with the club, players, staff and the fans who've been brilliant to me.

“Gripper (Gareth Williams) and Brownie have been superb and are the best managers I've been with.

“The morale in the dressing room has been top class and they have some good young players here and I reckon Matlock will be stronger next year."

Circuit said that he thought his form had not been up to what he wanted it to be during the 2007/08 campaign.

“I've been disappointed with my form which has not been what I expected it to be. I've missed games through work and it's not been easy to change my shifts,” he said.