Matlock Town owner offers club back to supporters after Graham Drury exit

Matlock Town owner David Hilton says he is “prepared to offer the club back to the supporters” following the shock departure of manager Graham Drury.

Drury requested to be released from his contract less than two weeks after taking charge at Causeway Lane, plunging the club into fresh uncertainty ahead of next season.

The former Stamford boss had only arrived earlier this month following Ryan Cresswell’s departure after Matlock’s Northern Premier League East Division play-off semi-final defeat to Bradford Park Avenue.

In a statement released on Thursday, Matlock said increased travel demands and difficulties convincing southern-based players to commit had contributed to Drury’s exit.

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Player issues

The club said: “Despite the best efforts of both Graham and the club to build a side capable of promotion, the challenge has proved extremely difficult.

“Graham’s extensive network of players is predominantly southern-based and, for the most part, unwilling to travel the significant distances required in the newly confirmed NPL East Division.

“Many players had verbally committed to the club on the understanding that training would be relocated further south.

“However, following today’s league announcement, a number have withdrawn their commitment.

“This has left Graham facing the difficult task of rebuilding with northern-based players and relocating training back to Matlock — a situation that has placed both him and his family in an uncomfortable position due to the regular distances he himself would have to travel.”

The club also confirmed players could not officially sign contracts until June under FA regulations, including striker Jonathan Margetts, who had been lined up as part of Drury’s coaching staff.

Matlock added that they had “reluctantly accepted” his resignation and thanked him for his efforts.

Financial repercussions

Hilton later issued a lengthy statement apologising to supporters and admitted the club now faces financial repercussions following Drury’s departure.

The businessman revealed Matlock’s playing budget averaged around £12,000 per week for the 2024/25 campaign and occasionally exceeded £14,000, despite the club attracting average crowds of around 700 supporters.

Hilton said the budget had been cut to around £7,000 for the season just gone as part of plans to create a more sustainable model.

He insisted Drury had always known Matlock were likely to remain in the NPL East Division and said plans to relocate training to Loughborough had already been agreed.

Hilton said: “When Graham’s contract was signed, every detail was thoroughly discussed.

“He was fully aware we were planning for the East Division — something the projections had always indicated.

“His proposed solution to the increased travelling for a proportion of fixtures was to move training to Loughborough and reduce it to once a week on a Thursday, with coach travel provided for away games.”

Shock

Hilton added that Drury had repeatedly assured the club he had players lined up and that negotiations were progressing positively.

However, he said concerns emerged earlier this week when several players informed the club Drury was struggling to secure commitments, with others unable to accommodate the proposed relocation of training further south.

Hilton said: “Today’s events have come as a complete shock to myself, my staff and the board.

“I am extremely disappointed by how this situation has unfolded, having placed full faith in a man who had previously shown nothing but honesty and integrity.

“I can confirm the club will inevitably face financial consequences as a result of decisions made since Graham signed his contract.

“These include the loss of valuable playing staff, the potential loss of our training facility, reduced sponsorship and season ticket income, and lost revenue from pre-season friendlies (many of which Graham had rearranged against teams further south).”

Fan ownership offer

Hilton took control of Matlock in April 2025 following a supporter ballot that approved a move away from community ownership.

However, amid mounting scrutiny over recent events, he has now opened the door to supporters taking the club back.

He added: “I understand that the move to private ownership was not welcomed by everyone, and I have made mistakes.

“On that basis, and under the current scrutiny, I am prepared to offer the club back to the supporters if there is sufficient interest.

“Anyone wishing to pursue this would need to come forward with a credible plan demonstrating how the club could operate sustainably with significantly lower overheads.”

Despite the uncertainty, Hilton insisted the club remains debt-free and pledged to continue funding Matlock if supporters continue to back him.

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