Lewis Duckmanton has been named the new manager of non-league club Matlock Town and will be assisted by Sam Hird.
The pair previously worked together at Wanderers as part of Ian Evatt’s backroom team.
Duckmanton initially worked alongside Evatt at Barrow, helping the club win promotion from the National League.
They headed to Bolton in 2020 and Hird joined the set-up a year later to assist with first team coaching and lead the B Team.
Hird left Wanderers a couple of years later to take up a role with the PFA, while Duckmanton was among the staff departures following Evatt’s exit in January 2025.
The pair have now reunited at Matlock Town, who are currently fourth in the Northern Premier League East Division.
“I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to manage this football club,” Duckmanton told the club site. “I cannot stand here and promise success, because football does not work that way.
“What I can promise is that we will work tirelessly, every single day, to improve this team, raise standards and give us the best possible opportunity.
“I have also brought in an experienced coach, Sam Hird, who I have worked alongside at a number of clubs throughout my career. I know the qualities he will bring to the group, both on and off the pitch.
“Sam has enjoyed an excellent career and played an important role in the success achieved at Bolton, so I am delighted he has agreed to come and join us.
“I hope what you’ve seen from the team during the last six games is commitment, hard work and pride.
“I want players who are prepared to leave absolutely everything on that pitch and represent this club, this town and its supporters with the passion they deserve.”
It is Duckmanton’s first managerial role, having previously worked as a coach and analyst throughout his career.
“Having worked closely with the club in a number of different capacities, I understand what makes this football club special,” he added.
“The supporters and volunteers are its heartbeat. You are the people who keep this club moving forward, and my responsibility is to give you a team that you can be proud of and one that you can truly get behind.
“There will undoubtedly be challenges, setbacks and difficult moments along the way. That is football.
“But if we can create unity, belief and a positive environment around the club, we can build the momentum and driving force that gives us the best possible chance of being successful come the end of the season.”
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