Former Blackburn Rovers striker Matt Derbyshire has found a new club after leaving Bradford City, joining Matlock Town in the Northern Premier League.
The 38-year-old veteran was at Valley Parade for 18 months and played 23 times, but dropped into a more coaching-based role towards the end of his time there. He departed the club in the summer and has now joined Town, who are 12th placed in the NPL.
Derbyshire in Derbyshire
The move to Matlock marks his return to non-league football for the first time since playing for Great Harwood Town before moving to Blackburn in 2003. He has also played for established EFL sides such as Rotherham United, Wrexham and Birmingham City alongside stints in India, Greece and Cyprus.
He joins the club whilst still working on his coaching, working toward a UEFA A License with Blackburn. Speaking upon the announcement of the 38-year-old to the club, Matlock manager and former Northampton Town defender Ryan Cresswell said:
“Myself and Clayts (Adam Clayton) went to the Rotherham game today and he was the guest speaker in the lounge. Clayts played with him at Bradford City so knew him really well.
“He wants to play football and we put a deal together to suit all parties for him to come on board. He’s really excited to be involved and get back playing and had offers from multiple non-league clubs but is really excited about the work we’re doing at Matlock and wants to be a part of it.”
Writer’s View
It is a great move for Matlock to boost their profile with a well-known name in EFL football such as Matt Derbyshire. He was a solid but sporadic choice for Bradford City but still has something to offer in football, even at this lower level. He will be able to apply his coaching at the club and help guide them along in the Northern Premier League.
Football journalist with The Real EFL since 2023. A 2024 Multimedia Journalism graduate from the University of Salford, Lewis specialises in Salford City FC and EFL coverage.
