Appointed as successor to Glenn Kirkwood and Craig Hopkins during the final week of last season following a seven-game unbeaten run in caretaker charge which included six successive victories, Hoole and Matlock have endured a difficult start to the current campaign.

After beating Lancaster City 4-0 on the opening day and drawing 2-2 at Scarborough Athletic in their next game, the Gladiators have since suffered five successive league and cup defeats, last night’s 6-0 defeat at Basford following a 2-1 home loss to Halesowen Town in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday.

Matlock now lie in second-bottom position in the NPL Premier Division table.

Hoole said “Although we’ve had a run of bad luck with injuries and suspension it doesn’t disguise the fact that eleven men out there haven’t performed well enough and the manner of the defeat at Basford hurt me. The club and the fans deserve better, so I’ve stepped down and someone else can take over.

“I’d like to thank my staff Shaun Harrad, Danny Cox, Adam Sollitt and Mark Mullins for their support and the club for giving me the opportunity. The fans have also been fantastic, and I ask them to keep on supporting as Matlock’s a great club.”

Matlock chairman Tom Wright added: “We’d like to thank Dave not only for his work as first-team manager but also for his outstanding contribution to the success of our reserve and development sides. Everyone at the club really wanted things to work out for Dave. It’s been a pleasure to work with him and we’re all sorry it’s ended this way. We wish him all the very best for the future.”

A further statement with regard to Hoole’s successor, whether permanent or temporary, will be issued in due course as the Gladiators prepare for Saturday’s tough home clash with title favourites South Shields.

Hoole’s assistant Shaun Harrad will remain as a Matlock player.

Ian Richardson