Last week, Matlock were due to travel to Leander and this Sunday a trip to local rivals South Derbyshire was scheduled.

With rumours also circulating that the Lido may not be open again this year, assistant coach Andy Massey was forthright when interviewed.

“We may have to pull out of our remaining league games this season.

“We don't want to, and the club's development will suffer badly as a consequence.”

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Dales District Council said:

“Derbyshire Dales District Council is working with the clubs who use the Lido main pool to help find alternative venues for training and competitions.

“The District Council has arranged with Matlock Swimming Club to use Bakewell Swimming Pool during the temporary closure and is helping the water polo club to source alternative venues.

“A meeting is also being arranged with the clubs to keep them informed of progress.”

Colin Ingley, the club’s goalkeeper and publicity officer, said: “The development of water polo at Matlock and in the surrounding area has come on enormously in recent times thanks in large part to the assistance of Paul and the staff at the Lido.

“The water polo club know that the staff are eager to help with our future development and their help with finding an alternative venue is greatly appreciated.”

Current searches for alternative venues at Chesterfield, Staveley and Clay Cross have so far been unable to meet the club’s needs, Mr Ingley also told the Mercury.

Injuries as well as absence have blighted the club all campaign.

Adding to this is the fact that some of the team's youngsters are university bound and of these, one or two members may not be able to play in remaining games.

The club has much to think about in the coming weeks.

Despite the above problems, the success of Hungary and other nations in the Olympics has led to an idea that may help when play is resumed. Wealthy club chairman Dave Frost, who now wants to be known as Dragonslav Freezivic, revealed all.

“Three of the four men's semi-final teams were East European.

“By our players changing to such names by deed poll, I think that individuals will feel East European and therefore play like East Europeans!”

At the time of going to press, powerful club president Rez Smithonov was unable for comment.

For more club news, please log on to www.matlockwaterpoloclub