Owner hits back after manager resigns over fan abuse

The owner of a non-league football club has hit back at "abusive" fans whose behaviour prompted the team's manager to resign.

Matlock Town manager Lewis Duckmanton stood down after players and staff faced "direct abuse and threats of violence" from supporters following Saturday's 4-2 home defeat to Bridlington Town.

Club chairman David Hilton said letters had since been sent to "so-called supporters, already on local pub watch lists and banned from town establishments", confirming their immediate bans from the football club.

Hilton said the behaviour, including fans stealing players' food after the match, had left a "sour taste" and led to him "actively seeking" offers to sell the club.

Duckmanton had been involved with Matlock Town for 14 months and became permanent first team manager less than a month ago.

He leaves the Gladiators sat 13th in Northern Premier League East Division, with four wins, two draws and four losses in the opening ten games of the season.

"After a great deal of thought, I have decided to step aside from my position at the club", Duckmanton wrote in his resignation letter.

"This job has never been about money. It has always been about the club, you, and everyone involved, and about giving everything I could to the team and the community. With that in mind, I feel it is right to step aside and let someone else come in.

"I leave with no regrets and nothing but respect for you and Matlock Town. I hope the next chapter brings better results and success."

In a statement, Hilton said he had "reluctantly" accepted Duckmanton's resignation, describing him as "a friend" and someone who is "extremely well liked by everyone who works with him at the club".

Abuse from supporters was not what Duckmanton "prepared for and is not prepared to endure" and the "very small minority responsible" have behaved in the same way on "many previous occasions", said Hilton.

"I respect people's right to hold opinions and to air them on the terraces. They have no right to be abusive or threatening towards staff or anyone in the football family," he added.

The chairman, who was not at Saturday's match, said the theft of players' food had also been a "common trend for some time", dating back to before he took over the club in April 2025.

As well as letters banning those involved, Hitlon will notify opposing clubs to refuse entry to the "problematic few" for Matlock away matches.

Hilton said he was now "questioning" his own future at the club, but remained "fully committed and supportive until a suitable custodian is found."

"In the meantime, nothing changes. My commitment, until it is no longer required because of a change of ownership is there, and I will continue to try during the time I have left to get us promoted, with the backing of everybody at the club."

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