Tributes poured in for departing Matlock Town Chairman Tom Wright

Mr Wright announced he was standing down as chairman on Monday but will remain as the Gladiators’ commercial manager.

Mark Atkins, who played a leading part in Blackburn Rovers’ Premiership title winning season in 1994/95, was Tom’s first managerial appointment at Matlock in October 2008.

“Tom’s done a fantastic job in some very difficult times,” he said. “He always supported me as a manager in every way he could and became a good friend.

“I still miss those long talks about players we used to have. He’s a real gentleman who loves Matlock Town. I wish him all the best.”

Another former Gladiators boss Dave Frecklington echoed Atkins’ thoughts, despite only being in situ for seven months at the Proctor Cars Stadium.

“I really enjoyed working with the chairman, great knowledge of players past and present” he tweeted.

“A true gentleman and a well respected figure in the non league scene.”

Current Gladiators club captain Adam Yates has been at the club for nearly all of Tom’s tenure and he says the now former chairman is “a class act.”

“I’m sad to see Tom step down as he has always been there for me over the last ten years, being a young 19 year old signing my first contract with the club.

“He would do anything for anyone. That’s if you support Matlock of course.

“I’m sure we won’t be able to get rid of him that easily. Tom, you’re a class act but enjoy taking a back seat, we all understand your reasons for standing down.”

Bryn Apperley who has been the Gladiators Vice Chairman during the latter part of Tom’s reign, said Tom’s expertise in raising funds for the Gladiators has been priceless over the years.

“We’ve been very fortunate to have had Tom’s influence and experience at the helm of the club,” he said.

“He’s well respected and as such Matlock Town are held in such high esteem by other clubs. Without his hard work in raising income, the club wouldn’t be able to function.

“I’m really pleased this isn’t a complete break from the club, we need people like Tom passing on his experience and keeping the continuity going.

“I’ve spent the last few years working with Tom as Vice Chairman and I’d like to personally thank him for the experience and I look forward to carrying on working with him.”

President Dennis Hobson said Tom is “Matlock through and through” but the final word goes to Matlock’s long serving Chief Executive Keith Brown.

“Tom’s been a tremendous asset to the club over many years and I’m delighted he’s staying on the management committee and continuing his role as commercial manager,” he said.

“I’ve known Tom as a friend, colleague and competitor in the quarrying industry for over 45 years.

“He did great work as chairman of our social club back in the seventies turning the old wooden building into an enjoyable facility on matchdays and arranging functions to raise funds for the football club.

“As commercial manager he’s done an outstanding job in getting sponsorship, signboards on the ground, arranging golf days and popular sportsmans evenings.

“In his time as Chairman we’ve seen good and bad days but Tom never gave up.

“After many years of hard work he was then able to see the opening of the new changing rooms and 300 seater stand plus a new boardroom, medical room and tea bar, and a fantastic social club to accommodate over 200 people which not only is a great asset to the club but is used extensively by the local community.

“Tom, Matlock Town has been a major part of your life and I hope you will be able to enjoy the continuing development of the club for many years to come.”