Hoole wastes no time in assembling core of Matlock's new-look squad

Dave Hoole says the core of Matlock Town's squad is in place following a flurry of signings over the past seven days.
Ex Sheffield United winger Jordan Chapell signs for Matlock TownEx Sheffield United winger Jordan Chapell signs for Matlock Town
Ex Sheffield United winger Jordan Chapell signs for Matlock Town

The Gladiators have wasted no time in putting their squad together for the 2018/19 season with 10 players already having signed forms.

It has been a mix of retained players, young talent promoted from the reserves and new additions to breathe fresh life into the camp.

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Hoole has added midfielders Jerry Nash, Jordan Chapell and Harry Vince, along with defender Jon Yeomans, in committing to next season.

While the Matlock boss is hopeful of adding another winger, who has experience and knowledge of the Evo Stik League, to his squad this week.

Of the new additions, Hoole said: “I’m really pleased with the players we’ve got in and the business we’ve done so far this summer.

“Jerry played down at Luton Town in his early years and was a main part of the Basford championship winning side to get promotion to our league.

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“He’s a holding midfielder and I’m pleased to have him on board. He’s got quality and that’s what we want quality over quantity.

“Jordan’s also a great signing for us. He can play up top or in midfield and knows where the net is. He’s no stranger to this level and has a good pedigree behind him.”

Chapell started out at Sheffield United and made a handful of appearances for the first team before spells at Burton Albion, Torquay United and Grimsby Town.

He more recently had been at Chester FC before leaving and ending the season on loan at Stalybridge Celtic where he scored four times in nine appearances.

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While both Vince and Yeomans are known to Gladiators supporters having spent time on loan at Causeway Lane last season.

Player-assistant manager Shaun Harrad, Ted Cribley, Dwayne Wiley and Adam Yates have all been retained while Billy Whitehead and Harry Wood have been promoted from the reserves.

Hoole is pleased with the blend of youth and experience within his squad and added there might be a surprise or two between now and the start of the season.

“The reserves lads deserve the contracts they’ve been handed,” he said. “They’ve worked very hard and it shows the depth of the club.

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“There is more to come from the academy and the reserves as well - there is some good talent coming through.

“The depth of the club proved vital towards the end of last season when the loan players were going back.

“We’ve got a decent core now. There are a couple more lads on holiday who just need to sign from the retained list.

“We’ve got eight or nine trialists coming down in pre-season but nothing is set in stone there.

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“I’m maybe looking to add one or two more signings to come into the club to strengthen everything up, so it’s looking good.”

And added: “We’ve got good competition all over but we’ll look to add the icing on the cake with possibly another forward but again nothing’s set in stone.

“We’ve not targeted anyone in particular but players will come and go during pre-season - so there might be a few surprises.”