Following his fight with cancer, Neil Matthews, a former professional football player turned coach, tragically passed away earlier this week at the age of 56. Football teams throughout the nation have joined in grieving his passing.
During his professional career, Matthews played for 12 different clubs, including several loan stints. Three of those clubs were in Greater Manchester: Stockport County, Bolton Wanderers, and Bury FC. After retiring in 2001, Matthews went on to work as a youth coach.
His career began in his hometown of Grimsby, where he made 258 appearances and scored 68 goals for his many clubs. Halifax, County, and Lincoln City were among the teams for whom he had the finest results.
Upon learning of the passing of this cherished individual, many clubs were devastated. He went on to become a tremendously successful youth coach, assisting countless young players in signing professional contracts and playing in the Premier League and other leagues throughout the football pyramid.
The news that Neil Matthews, a 56-year-old former player and promotion winner, has passed away leaves everyone at Edgeley Park extremely grieved.
In particular, he was well-liked at Edgeley Park, where he overcame injury issues to play a key role in the historic 1991 season that saw Stockport gain their first promotion in 20 years and produce a large number of County supporters with many goals in the Danny Bergara.
Regarding his coaching career, he started out in 2003 as a youth coach for several age groups at Huddersfield Town and continued there until 2017. After that, he moved on to take on his most recent position at Bradford City, where he quickly rose to the position of academy manager and helped the team produce 15 players in a short period of time.
Neil oversaw the production and development of some of the top academy players in the country, and has played a huge role in enriching the club in recent years’, Bradford CEO Ryan Sparks insisted. He established an English football academy unlike any other, and the numerous careers he helped launch will bear witness to his legacy.
Sparks continued, “Neil was a unique individual who took great pride in his profession. He was one of the most selfless persons I have ever known; he frequently put the needs of his teammates and the football team above his own.
“Everyone who knew him and collaborated with him will deeply miss him.” He was unique, and the Bradford City family is deeply saddened by his departure. He was incredibly passionate, considerate, and dedicated to both our football team and his business.
