DERBY County's first visit to Causeway Lane in 12 years has been put back after the Rams informed Matlock Town they were double booked for the scheduled July 30 date.
The Pride Park outfit have a pre-season tour arranged, but Derby boss Paul Jewell has pledged to bring a strong side to face Matlock later this year, possibly in the October international break.
The change could actually work in Matlock's favour a
s Derby should be stronger by then as Jewell rebuilds his side after a disastrous season which saw them declared as the worst Premiership team ever.
But as the Derby game disappeared from Matlock's pre-season preparations, other attractive matches were being organised.
A four-figure crowd is expected on Friday July 25 when Chesterfield are back in town aiming to retain their grip on the Banner Jones Cup, following their 5-1 victory in the corresponding fixture last summer.
Sheffield United are back as pre-season visitors to Causeway Lane after a rare absence last year, on Tuesday August 5.
Matlock officials are working towards arranging another home friendly to add to the jewel in the crown of Matlock's preparations at home as Premiership Blackburn Rovers visit for James Lukic's testimonial game on Wednesday July 23, which should attract a huge turnout given Lukic’s outstanding service to the Gladiators.
The Gladiators begin their pre-season training stint on Saturday July 5, and have two weeks of hard work before opening their pre-season programme of matches with a trip to Staveley MW on Saturday July 19. Other away games are at Carlton Town on Saturday July 26, Rainworth MW on Saturday August 2 and Belper Town on Saturday August 9 with their UniBond League Premier Division campaign beginning on August 16.
The Belper game could have a competitive edge to it as it is rumoured that the teams will be playing for the Caroline Melbourne Cup in memory of Caroline, a keen Nailers fan who sadly died a couple of years ago.
Joint boss Phil Brown is happy with the pre season games.
“There's some attractive looking home games which should bring the fans in after their summer break and some good looking away games which should provide us with some useful tests ahead of the new season, so all in all they look a good set of games,” he said.
Gladiators to relaunch reserve side – page 35.
The full article contains 407 words and appears in Matlock Mercury newspaper.
