Highly-rated Matlock Town defender Max Hunt lands Championship move to Derby County

Derby County have swooped for impressive Matlock Town defender Max Hunt on an 18-month deal with an option for a further year.
The 18-year-old centre-back will link up with the Championship club’s under-23 side and as part of the transfer, a Derby County XI will travel to Causeway Lane to face the Gladiators in a pre-season friendly this summer.
Hunt has spent the last 18 months with the Evo-Stik Premier side, playing for their academy and reserve teams and then signing a first-team contract last summer.
He made his debut for the club in December following a loan spell at Belper Town and his form led to a trial at West Bromwich Albion.
Speaking on the move, Hunt said: “This is a dream come true and is what I have wanted since I was a young kid. I want to be a professional footballer, but in truth, the hard work just starts now.
“I’m happy to be here. I want to progress as much as possible and I have ambitions to just better myself every day and just work hard. At the same time, this is a great opportunity to work with some top-quality coaches every day.
“I want to be here for a long time. It’s a massive club, the set-up is fantastic, and I loved my time on trial.
“I want to say a big thank you to Matlock too. Justin Tellus and the all the people in the development system have helped me as a young lad and gave me my first taste of men’s football, which was a big moment for me. I can’t thank them enough for everything they have done for me.”
As part of the deal, a Derby County XI will travel to Causeway Lane to face Matlock in a pre-season friendly this summer.