Popular winger seals Matlock homecoming
Supporters at Matlock Town are set to welcome back one of their most popular recent players, as Jesurun Uchegbulam prepares to return to the Proctor Cars Stadium. The pacy winger, who thrilled fans during his previous spell with the Gladiators, is joining from The New Saints FC, champions of the Cymru Premier.
Uchegbulam’s first stint in Matlock colours left a clear imprint. Over that period he delivered 9 goals in 38 appearances, winning over the home crowd with direct running and a confident eye for goal. His standout displays earned him a subsequent move to Chesterfield FC for an undisclosed fee after impressing against the Spireites in a pre-season friendly – a step that marked the beginning of a broadened career portfolio.
| Uchegbulam’s first Matlock spell | Figure |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 38 |
| Goals | 9 |
Career path since leaving the Gladiators
Following his departure, Uchegbulam added experience across the professional and semi-professional tiers, representing Rochdale, Oldham Athletic, Eastleigh and Chelmsford City, before most recently featuring for The New Saints FC. That range of environments and styles is likely to be valuable as he reintegrates into Matlock’s evolving squad.
His return arrives as the club continues pre-season preparations. The Gladiators drew 2-2 with Belper Town, a performance that coaching staff felt showed progress in shape and understanding under taxing conditions.
Coaches see patterns emerging despite heat
Assistant manager Ricky Ravenhill said the group is beginning to knit together and emphasised the experimental nature of the warm-up fixtures. He noted the need to keep building partnerships while managing minutes in challenging weather.
“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 also highlighted the recent heatwave and the need for players to accumulate game-time sensibly, with the focus on familiarity and fitness. The sight of emerging link-ups will be especially encouraging as Matlock seek to establish a consistent attacking rhythm ahead of competitive action.
What Uchegbulam adds on his return
Uchegbulam’s attributes — pace, direct dribbling and a willingness to take on defenders — made him a firm favourite during his earlier tenure. Rejoining a squad already working through tactical variations should give the management team another option in wide areas and transitions. While the club has not set out public targets, the winger’s track record at the Proctor Cars Stadium suggests he can contribute goals and create space for team-mates.
- Attacking impetus: Stretching back lines and carrying the ball at speed.
- Familiarity with surroundings: Prior success at the Proctor Cars Stadium could ease reintegration.
- Versatility for evolving shapes: Ravenhill’s experiments with systems may benefit from a direct wide threat.
Supporter anticipation and next steps
For match-going supporters in Matlock, the move brings back a player closely associated with high-energy performances and memorable moments in blue. The club’s emphasis on combinations and partnerships suggests he will be introduced with care to maximise chemistry across the frontline. As pre-season continues, focus will remain on embedding roles, consolidating fitness and translating emerging patterns into consistency.
With Uchegbulam poised to pull on the shirt again, the Gladiators appear intent on sharpening their attacking edge while maintaining a balanced build-up. The coaching messages point to steady, methodical preparation — and for the returning winger, a familiar stage on which to pick up where he left off.
