The management duo have been working non-stop since the final whistle of the last campaign, including both Bank Holidays, as they strive to secure the players they have been pursuing which they hope will make the Gladiators a force in the UniBond League Premier Division once again.

Speaking on Tuesday teatime, Brown was optimistic of a positive response from the trio.

“I don't want to divulge any names at present, but we'll be very pleased if we can get these players on board.,” he said.

“Negotiations with them will continue and I am hopeful that they will have come to a decision one way or the other by the end of the week.

“We're also talking to a few more players.

“Last season we finished 16th in the division and while it could so easily have been tenth had we beaten Ashton on the last day like we should have done, reality is that we finished just one point above the relegation places.

“We know we need to strengthen.

“We know who we're after and what we want.

“The signs are good and we know that players want to come to Matlock, for they know the tremendous spirit at the club and in the changing room.

“We're looking to get these three players in and then supplement them with some younger players.”

For the second season in succession the make up of the UniBond Premier Division is unclear with teams further up the non league pyramid facing an uncertain future because of financial problems.

Halifax Town will no longer play Blue Square Conference football and could even find themselves in the UniBond First Division North or below, bearing in mind Scarborough had to reform as Scarborough Athletic and ply their trade in the Notrthern Counties East League First Division during 2007/08.

Halifax's demise robs the Gladiators of another derby as Hucknall Town have earned a reprieve and will remain in Blue Square North for the 2008/2009 season.

But the uncertainty doesn't end there as both Nuneaton Borough and Boston United might find themselves demoted from Blue Square North.

Continued on page 33