Popular winger heads back to the Proctor Cars Stadium
Matlock Town have confirmed that Jesurun Uchegbulam is set to return to the Proctor Cars Stadium, rejoining the Gladiators from The New Saints, the Cymru Premier champions. The winger, widely regarded as one of the most popular players to wear Matlock blue in recent seasons, previously delivered nine goals in 38 appearances and became a terrace favourite thanks to his pace, direct running and eye for goal.
His earlier performances for Matlock proved a springboard to higher levels. After a standout display in a pre-season friendly against Chesterfield, he earned a move to the Spireites for an undisclosed fee. Subsequent spells followed with Rochdale, Oldham Athletic, Eastleigh and Chelmsford City, before his latest stint with TNS. The decision to return to Derbyshire puts him back in front of a support that embraced his style and personality during his first stay.
Assistant boss sees progress as pre-season takes shape
Assistant manager Ricky Ravenhill said recent pre-season work was beginning to show on the pitch after a 2-2 draw against Belper Town. He noted that the staff are using the summer schedule to build understanding within a refreshed squad while adapting to challenging weather conditions.
“We’re starting to see a few patterns. We can be better, we have got lots to work on in certain areas, but you can see the combinations are starting to come together and people are starting to understand each other.”
“We want to try things, we want to look at things, we tried a different shape and we swapped mid-game again, so it is experimental – but it’s good to see the partnerships developing.”
Ravenhill added that the club is intent on giving players the minutes they need, even with the recent heatwave making for uncomfortable playing conditions. The emphasis, he said, remains on embedding combinations and testing systems ahead of competitive action.
What Uchegbulam brings back to Matlock
Supporters in Matlock will remember Uchegbulam for his ability to stretch defences and commit full-backs, attributes that were hallmarks of his first spell. His return provides additional threat in wide areas, with scope to unlock compact opposition through pace and one‑v‑one dribbling. While the club has not placed public targets on his output, the winger’s prior record and rapport with home fans offers encouragement at a time when pre-season focus is on rhythm and relationships rather than results.
The trajectory of Uchegbulam’s career since leaving the Gladiators — taking in National League and EFL environments — suggests further experience that can be shared within the changing room. For a side bedding in patterns of play, his familiarity with the Proctor Cars Stadium and the local set-up could shorten the adaptation curve.
By the numbers: first spell snapshot
| Period | Appearances | Goals | Notable move after |
|---|---|---|---|
| Previous Matlock spell | 38 | 9 | Transfer to Chesterfield (undisclosed fee) |
His subsequent clubs included Rochdale, Oldham Athletic, Eastleigh and Chelmsford City, before joining The New Saints, from whom he now returns to Matlock.
Pre-season context for supporters
- Assistant manager highlights visible combinations emerging in play.
- Experimental shapes are being trialled mid-game to test options.
- Coaching staff are prioritising game-time despite the recent heatwave.
For fans, the timing of Uchegbulam’s arrival feeds into that broader pre-season brief: to assemble a cohesive group, clarify roles and offer attacking variation ahead of the new campaign. While full competitive fixtures are still to come, the sight of a familiar wide player returning to the Proctor Cars Stadium should add energy to the stands and, the club will hope, end product on the pitch.
