Ryan Qualter says he is ‘gutted' his stay at Matlock Town has come to an end.
The Gladiators club captain moved to National League North Scarborough Athletic for an undisclosed fee this week after home and work commitments dictated that he could not attend Monday and Wednesday night training sessions.
“I'm gutted and really upset with how fast things have happened and I've been struggling to get my head around things,” said Qualter, who joined Matlock from Alfreton Town in 2020.
“The reasons for me leaving are purely circumstantial, I can't commit fully to the new training regime as I have my girls on a Monday and Wednesday evening plus I'm starting a new job which also doesn't fit in with training nights.”
Player and club did their best to reach a compromise in allowing Qualter to train away from the squad and continue to play in the NPL Premier for the Gladiators.
“The club suggested I train away from the squad and continued to play for them. I've given this a lot of thought, we've looked at every option. But I don't think it's fair to the lads, the manager and the club not to be there at training and expect to play on the Saturday. It's left a lump in my throat but I've had to accept it's just one of those things. It's probably best for everyone that we part ways for now.”
Boss Martin Carruthers said: “It's really sad that he's going, I didn't want to lose him. Unfortunately Ryan's personal circumstances coupled with his own professionalism have led to him making the move from the club. “He's well-liked and respected in the dressing room so he'll be sorely missed.”
