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Friday, November 21, 2008, 07:30
The Gladiators travel to Frickley Athletic looking for their first win in seven games and Atkins, who was appointed earlier this week, knows how difficult it will be.
He said: "I've been there before, when I was at Stalybridge Celtic, and it wasn't easy. In fact it's never an easy place to go.
"But, in a way, it's a good first game as I'll find out more about the team than I would if we were playing one of the top clubs.
"The lads will have to be prepared for a battle against a side who will fight for everything.
"They will all be given a chance to impress me.
"What has happened before is in the past – we're looking to the future and every player is fighting for their place."
Atkins, who began his playing career as a full-back with Scunthorpe United before making his name as a midfielder in Blackburn Rovers' Premiership title side in 1995, knows plenty about defending and intends to pass on his knowledge to the Gladiators, who have conceded 49 goals in 22 league and cup games so far this season.
"I've seen three of the games while Glenn Kirkwood and Craig Hopkins have been in charge and know quite a bit about the squad," he said.
"Matlock lack both leadership and experience on the pitch so the first thing to be addressed is to look at our defensive work and to tighten up in certain situations.
"The attacking play is good but we've got to make ourselves harder to beat.
"The league is very tight this season and it is imperitive that we start picking up points, starting tomorrow."
Atkins' first meeting with the players was last night at training, although he already knew a couple of them, including Kirkwood.
"I've known Kirky since he was a young lad with Doncaster Rovers," said Atkins.
"He's a great character and I believe he has now returned to managing the Reserves with Craig Hopkins.
"I intend to stay in touch with the Reserves to see how they're progressing and whether they have anyone who can make the step up."
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