NEW manager Mark Hume has wasted no time in making changes at Matlock Town.
Within 24 hours, Hume, who replaced Martin Foster and Dave Rushbury last Friday, had brought four new faces to the Autoworld Arena and gave them their debuts against Ashton United last Saturday.
Hume, the former Alfreton Town defender, has also registered to play for the Gladiators but didn't feature in the 1-0 defeat against Ashton.
New assistant manager Scott Maxfield and coach Grant Black did, though, with two Sheffield United youngsters – defender Julian Banton and midfielder Otis Khan – also in the starting 11.
Then, just a couple of days later, three players – Joe Leesley, James Ashmore and Lawrence Gorman – left the club.
Hume, whose side are at home to Witton Albion tomorrow, says that the trio leave with his best wishes.
"James Ashmore took the decision like a man; we explained that we're overloaded in midfield and he accepted that we're crying out for a striker," said Hume.
"He could see our reasoning in that it would release some budget for a striker.
"Joe was one of the contract players who was asked by the previous manager to look for a new club and so naturally he put the feelers out.
"He was hesitant about leaving but had already agreed to join another club. I told him to do what was right for him.
"He leaves with mine and the club's best wishes and who knows, he and Ash might be back at a later date.
"We also have a lot of defenders, hence Lawrence leaving. It's a matter of making tough decisions in the best interests of the club."
Matlock may well have even more new faces in the side ahead of tomorrow's game after a disappointing result against Ashton.
"We lack firepower," said Hume.
"We're great at keeping the ball but it was only towards the end that we created chances in a panic.
"Their goal was a mistake on our part but, until then, we'd been compact and it was the first chance they'd ventured into our half.
"I hope that fans can see we're trying to change things by the people we have coming in. We need a fresh outlook and my message is 'let's give this a real go'."
Hume has set his side a target of seven points from their next three games.
After the Witton game, Matlock head to mid-table Stourbridge before a home game against Marine on February 7.
"We need wins against both Witton and Marine," said Hume.
"A point isn't much good but it would be OK somewhere like Stourbridge.
"I really want us to go for it; let's do our utmost to keep the club up. We won't stop fighting but we need to get this season over and then build for the next one.
"I'm here for the long term. Having spoken to people at the club and seen the fan base, Matlock Town shouldn't be struggling in this league; they should be up the other end competing for the play-offs.
"That's for the future. We just need to survive this season first."
Adam Yates and Phil Roe, injured in the Derbyshire Senior Cup win at Alfreton Town, are still struggling and face at least another week out.
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