Paddy Kenny has returned to football as goalkeeper coach with non-league club Matlock Town, having previously played for Sheffield United and QPR.

The 47-year-old almost ended his playing career in 2016 with Rotherham United, as he made 15 bench appearances without playing a single minute as the Millers narrowly survived relegation to League One by nine points.

He was a player-coach at Northampton Town before playing twice for Malty Main in the Northern Counties East Football League. Kenny co-managed Goole Town in 2023, but has since left the game and will now return to football to work for Matlock.

The Gladiators, as they are known, are based in Derbyshire and play their football at the Proctor Cars Stadium in the Northern Premier League East. They are currently in second place, ten points behind league leaders Redcar Athletic.

Paddy Kenny takes on coaching post at Matlock Town.

Kenny made 315 appearances for Sheffield United, as well as notable stints at Bury, Leeds United, and QPR. He also has seven Republic of Ireland caps, having debuted in March 2004.

However, he will now work with ex-Middlesbrough midfielder Adam Clayton, who has been in charge of Matlock since March 2025, but was fired on December 27 before being restored as manager just two days later.

The Gladiators presently have a number of former EFL stars among their ranks, with ex-Northampton defender Ryan Cresswell serving as the Derbyshire club’s assistant manager after Clayton left.

Meanwhile, Conor Washington, a former Derby County and Rotherham striker, has played for Matlock since leaving the Rams this summer. Calum MacDonald, an ex-Derby player, defends.

Paddy Kenny joins a lengthy list of former professional players coaching in non-league.

In recent years, the growth in non-league football has intensified, and several former EFL stars have moved down the divisions to begin their coaching careers after their playing days were over.

Robbie Savage’s tenure at Macclesfield was well documented, as he helped the team achieve promotion to the National League North following administration before joining Forest Green Rovers in the National League last summer. Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney’s brother, John Rooney, is in charge of the Silkmen, having overseen their stunning FA Cup victory over Crystal Palace earlier in January.

Rob Elliot is also the manager of Gateshead, another National League club. The 39-year-old established his reputation at Newcastle United and Charlton Athletic, and he has been in charge of the Heed since January 4, his second stint at the club.

Alfreton Town’s head coach is Derby County’s Jake Buxton, Southport’s Neil Danns is an ex-Bolton Wanderers and Leicester City midfielder, and Maidstone United’s George Elokobi is a former Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back.