The Gladiators' former skipper has signed for Blue Square Conference North Gainsborough Trinity side, hooking up again with former Gladiator Steve Charles, who currently manages the Lincolnshire outfit.

It is believed that because Lukic was out of contract and is over 24 years old, Matlock are unlikely to receive a transfer fee.

Lukic said on Wednesday that he had been mulling over the move for a number of weeks before deciding to switch.

"It has not been an easy decision by any stretch," said Lukic.

"I just felt like it was time to go and and test myself at a higher level."

The centre-half has had previous opportunites to move on, but had remained loyal to Matlock.

But after ten years at Causeway Lane he felt that if he didn't take his chance now he never would.

Charles was the main reason for joining Trinity, however.

"Steve used to play at Matlock a few years ago and he spoke to me after the end of the season when my contract had run out," said Lukic.

"He just told me what he intended to do and what Trinity were planning to do.

"I know Steve, I like him and I trust him and he seems quite ambitious as well, which really impressed me."

Lukic is one of a number of players Charles is recruiting as they prepare to challenge for promotion to the Conference National.

Director of football Peter Swann described Lukic as a "consistent" and "superb" player who would be the ideal replacement for either one of Trinity's departing centre-backs Wes Parker and Richard Pell as
Charles looks to rebuild his back four.

As for Matlock, Lukic, who led the club to Derbyshire Senior Cup and UniBond League Cup triumphs, said he had too many fond memories to mention.

"I've been there a long time," he said.

"It is a really good club and I've enjoyed every single minute of my time there from when I broke into the first team when I was 17 or 18
all the way through."

The "hardest part" was leaving the Matlock fans behind, he said.
"Since I first got into the first team they've been brilliant with me," he said.

"I always give everything I can for the club and I think that's why they appreciate me."

Some have questioned the timing of his departure just before the start of his testimonial year celebrations.

The fans may still get their chance to see Lukic in a Matlock shirt again when Premiership Blackburn Rovers visit the Geoquip Stadium on July 23 for the game that was organised in his honour.

At this stage, the game is still set to go ahead - despite the departures of both Lukic and Rovers boss Mark Hughes - and Lukic hopes to play, if only for the chance to say goodbye to the fans, but he said it would be a decision for Matlock to make.

Matlock joint-manager Phil Brown said: "Obviously, we are disappointed to lose him.

"He's been a great servant for the football club and he's been one of the best defenders in the UniBond throughout those years.

"Since we (Brown and management partner Gareth Williams) took over he's been our captain and led by example, and obviously we are going to miss that.

"But the board and myself and Gripper have tried everything we can to keep him and the bottom line is he's spoken to his family and he just feels that if he does not go and play at a higher level now he never will, so that's what has made his decision.

"We wish him well and hope he's a success at a higher level."

Reaction to his departure has been understandably one of devastation among Matlock fans, although many knew it had been on the cards for some time and regarded him as "too good" for the UniBond Premier Division.

Supporters club vice-chairman Jason Beaumont said: "He's been Captain Marvel for so many years.

"It's a big blow to lose not just your skipper but a very influential player as well.

"We wish him all the best for the future, but from a fan's point of view we need to see what the gap is and who can come in and fill it.

"We'll be looking to Laighty (Ryan Laight) to step up and he looks like a man who can take on a bit more responsibility."

Mr Beaumont said he hoped the club's expected new signings would "negate some of the impact" of Lukic's departure.

"We're just thankful we've had his services for this many years because he has always been too good for this league," he added.