Matlock Town ready and eager to get game time under their belt

The Gladiators face two opening warm up games in the coming week with Mansfield Town visiting the Proctor Cars Stadium on Tuesday night (7.30 pm) before on Thursday there is the return of former Gladiators Academy defender Max Hunt with Derby County.

“We’re ready for the games, the boys have responded really well during the past two and a half weeks,” said the Gladiators boss.

“They all look sharp and you can tell that they’ve looked after themselves.

“We’re all looking forward to the challenge of facing the pro clubs and what lies ahead in the coming season. We’ve mixed the training up.

“Myself and the management team have got our heads together to vary the training as much as we could, the modern day pre-season is not only about running and five or six aside games.

“We’ve taken advice from various people and have included the plyometric side of things, a different type of fitness and we’ve spent time swimming and in the gym.”

Hoole has been unable to confirm any further signings since striker Kieran Watson was signed from Shirebrook Town a fortnight ago, but says more additions should be confirmed during the pre season programme.

“We’ve had trialists with us who’ve worked really hard, if things go right with them maybe we can get them on board,” he added.

“Obviously we can’t reveal who they are at the present time but we’re all really happy with the way things have gone so far and looking forward to the games starting against Mansfield on Tuesday night.”