Ex-QPR and Sheffield United star Paddy Kenny lands new job - he's working with ex-Leeds United star | OneFootball

Paddy Kenny has taking on a coaching role in non-league, working alongside former Middlesbrough and Leeds United midfielder Adam Clayton.

Paddy Kenny is back in football, with the former Sheffield United and QPR goalkeeper taking on the role of goalkeeper coach at non-league outfit Matlock Town.

The 47-year-old all but brought his playing career to an end in 2016 with Rotherham United, making 15 appearances on the bench for the Millers without playing a single minute as they avoided relegation to League One by nine points.

He spent time at Northampton Town as a player-coach, before making two appearances for Malty Main in the Northern Counties East Football League. Kenny co-managed Goole Town in 2023, but has been out of the game since and will now return to football to work with Matlock.

The Gladiators, as they are nicknamed, are based in Derbyshire, and play their football at the Proctor Cars Stadium in the Northern Premier League East Division. They are currently second, 10 points behind league leaders Redcar Athletic.

Paddy Kenny takes up coaching role at Matlock Town

Kenny made 315 appearances for Sheffield United, while also having significant stints at Bury, Leeds United and QPR. He also has seven caps for the Republic of Ireland to his name, making his debut in March 2004.

However, he will now link up with ex-Middlesbrough midfielder Adam Clayton, who has been in charge of Matlock since March 2025, although he was sacked on December 27, before being reinstated as the club's manager once again just two days later.

The Gladiators have a number of former EFL stars among their ranks currently, with ex-Northampton defender Ryan Cresswell the assistant manager of the Derbyshire outfit, having preceded Clayton in the hotseat.

Meanwhile, on the pitch, former Derby County and Rotherham striker Conor Washington has plied his trade for Matlock since departing the Rams in the summer. While another ex-Derby man, in the form of Calum MacDonald, features in defence.

Paddy Kenny joins a long list of ex-professional players coaching in non-league

In recent years, the boom of non-league has intensified and there have been plenty of former EFL aces to make their way down the divisions to start their coaching careers after their playing days came to an end.

Robbie Savage's time at Macclesfield was well documented, as he helped the club reach the National League North following administration, before leaving for Forest Green Rovers in the National League last summer. Meanwhile, John Rooney, the brother of Wayne Rooney, is in charge of the Silkmen and oversaw their incredible FA Cup victory over Crystal Palace earlier in January.

Elsewhere, Rob Elliot oversees another National League side in the form of Gateshead. The 39-year-old made his name at Newcastle United and Charlton Athletic, and has been in charge of the Heed since January 4 in his second stint at the club.

Derby favourite Jake Buxton is the head coach of Alfreton Town, ex-Bolton Wanderers and Leicester City midfielder Neil Danns is in charge of Southport, while former Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back George Elokobi leads Maidstone United of Kent in the National League South.