Lewis Duckmanton has been appointed manager of Northern Premier League side Matlock Town, with his former Bolton Wanderers colleague Sam Hird joining as his assistant. The move marks Duckmanton's first step into management after a career as a coach and analyst.
Duckmanton and Hird were previously part of Ian Evatt's backroom team at Bolton Wanderers. Duckmanton first worked with Evatt at Barrow, helping them win promotion from the National League, before both followed the manager to Bolton in 2020. Hird joined the set-up a year later, assisting with first-team coaching and leading the B Team before departing for a role with the Professional Footballers' Association.
Both left the University of Bolton Stadium following Evatt's exit in January 2025. Duckmanton now takes charge of a Matlock Town side sitting fourth in the Northern Premier League East Division.
"I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to manage this football club," Duckmanton said. He added, "I cannot stand here and promise success, because football does not work that way." The new manager emphasised his commitment to hard work and raising standards, and highlighted Hird's experience and role in Bolton's recent successes as key additions to his staff.
While the former Bolton pair begin their new project, the club they left continues its Championship campaign. Bolton Wanderers currently sit 20th in the table with seven points from seven games, having secured a 1-0 win over Cardiff City last time out. Their recent form shows one win and four defeats from the last five matches. The upcoming schedule, including that trip to Carrow Road, is available on our fixtures list.
The original report is at The Bolton News
