Matlock Town unveil new chairman

Mr Apperley, 61, has been the Gladiators’ vice-chairman for the past four years and says that following some 'very difficult' times for the club, he can’t wait to get stuck into the job of reviving Town's fortunes both on and off the field.

“I saw the light,” joked Mr Apperley, a boyhood Matlock fan who held an Everton season ticket for 25 years. “My wife Julia and the kids, Sarah and Ed, are all huge fans of both Everton and Matlock, they really enjoy coming down to watch our games.

"The atmosphere down at Matlock’s tremendous and we’ve all come to love the place. I’m absolutely delighted to be named as the club’s new chairman and I’d like to thank my fellow board members for giving me this opportunity to lead the club.

"I really enjoyed working with Tom when I was vice-chairman and it’s tremendous that he’s staying on as commercial manager, something he’s done exceptionally well over a good many years."

Mr Wright added his backing to the new chairman, adding: "Bryn’s an excellent choice as chairman, with the drive, energy and enthusiasm to succeed.

"His four years in the vice-chairman role will stand him in good stead. He’ll have a very good understanding of what’s involved and, of course, he’ll have my full support and that of the rest of the board to drive Matlock forward.”

Striker Kayde Coppin has joined the Gladiators from Mossley and will become Paul Phillips' new assistant coach following the departure of Brian Wilson.

The 31-year-old has previously played for Phillips at Ashton United and Buxton. He began his career as a junior at Bolton Wanderers and has also played at Flixton, Trafford, Northwich Victoria, Rossendale United, Atherton LR, Bacup Borough and Glossop North End.

Wilson has decided to give up playing after collecting an ankle injury in the Derbyshire Senior Cup semi-final defeat against South Normanton Athletic in March and is set to go into management.

“He sets the standard on the pitch, in the dressing room beforehand and at training nights," Phillips said of Coppin.

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