Matthews, Alfred

Birth Date

28th April 1901

Birthplace

Bristol

Occupation

Winger

Biographical Text

A regular and consistent performer in the club’s early seasons in the Football League, Bristol-born Alf Matthews played for Exeter City between 1922 and 1926. He joined the club from Bristol City and later played for Plymouth Argyle for several seasons.

Starting his career with local Bristol side, Parson Street Old Boys, Matthews was then signed by Bristol City in 1921.However, he only made one league appearance for the Ashton Gate club, before being released.

He then signed for Exeter City in May 1922 and made his debut in a 3-0 defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion in September 1922. He was an ever-present in the side after that, not missing a game until the opening one of the following season.

His best season for Exeter came in 1924-25, when he played in all 42 of their Third Division South matches, scoring five goals. He remained with the Grecians for one further season before making the short move to Plymouth Argyle.

He stayed at Home Park until 1932, during which time he scored 30 goals in 142 league appearances. Because of his contribution to the Pilgrims, he was given a benefit game by Plymouth against Exeter. He then left for Doncaster Rovers in 1933-34 but only netted once in eight league starts before a move to Crystal Palace where he failed to make the first-team. He then returned to Plymouth where he lived and worked for the remainder of his life ahead of his death in 1985. 

Appearances

138

Goals

13

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