The Evo-Stik League Northern Premier

Matlock Town boss Mark Atkins is set to reveal the identity of a new star midfielder later today.

To head off the possibility of a late approach by another club, the Gladiators manager won’t reveal his new recruit’s identity until the club’s preseason training kicks off on Tuesday evening and he has signed on the dotted line.

Despite his caution, Atkins is confident the deal will go through for the midfielder who is said to be an experienced Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division campaigner. The manager also revealed that another new addition is in the pipeline and will be announced later this week.

Atkins, who has earmarked the mystery player to replace Liam King who shocked the Matlock faithful by opting for a switch to Doodson Sport League Cup winners North Ferriby United earlier this summer, said: "We've agreed a deal with a midfielder who will sign for us when we return for pre season training. In addition I'm also waiting for a yes or no response from another player that will hopefully prove to be positive for us."

Atkins has already been busy in the transfer market with two strikers, Bradley Grayson, 19, and the vastly experienced Lee Ellington, 32, signing from Frickley Athletic and Blue Square North Guiseley respectively.

Meanwhile, Paul Riley's second spell with the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division Gladiators has proved to be a brief one. The former Notts County winger, who can also operate as a left back or in midfield, rejoined Matlock from Eastwood Town following financial problems at Coronation Park last season. But a change in Riley's family circumstances has seen the player move back to Eastwood.

Atkins wished the player well, saying: "Paul's just become a Dad and he had a chat with me about possibly moving to a club nearer to his home. He's made his decision and he goes with our best wishes."