Goalkeeper Jason Matthews played a dozen league games for Exeter City during 1999/2000 in what was his only season in the Football League. His first three appearances for City were as a substitute for Stuart Naylor in three different competitions.

As a youngster Jason was a member of the centre of excellence at Millfield School in Somerset as well as being on the books of Bristol Rovers. Becoming an electrician upon leaving school Jason started playing adult football in the Western League for clubs such as Welton Rovers, Paulton Rovers, Mangotsfield United and Tautnon before signing for Salisbury City (for whom he played against Hull City in the FA Cup) and, later, Nuneaton Borough.  

Jason’s performances attracted the interest of Exeter City and he duly signed for the club in August 1999 making his debut on 24 August as a substitute for Stuart Naylor in a League Cup tie against Birmingham City. His league debut came in similar circumstances against Rochdale four days later.

Stuart Naylor soon recovered but, oddly, Jason’s third appearance for City came as a second-half replacement for the unfortunate Naylor in the FA Cup tie at Everton on 11 December. Keeping a clean sheet Jason was back on the bench for the next game and didn’t make another appearance - this time as a starter - until the Football League Trophy tie against Swansea in January. He was then to make eleven league appearances, and play three times in the FL Trophy, ahead of his release at the end of the season.     

Jason’s season at St James’ Park proved to be the full extent of his Football League career and he was to sign for Aberystwyth Town followed by a move to Clevedon Town. Then, in 2002, Jason began his association with Weymouth for whom he was to play well over three hundred times in two spells A particular highlight of his first period in Dorset was scoring a goal with a kick from his own penalty area in a Conference fixture against Southport. 

Jason then played for Eastleigh between 2008 and 2011 ahead of having a season with Bath City. He then had a season with Dorchester Town prior to rejoining Weymouth in 2013 where he was to play for another four seasons and become player-manager. Jason next played for Chippenham Town from 2017 until 2020 and, during 2021/22, was still appearing in the occasional game for Brislington at the age of forty-six. Around this time Jason - still working as an electrician - was also involved in coaching goalkeepers at Weymouth and, later, Salisbury.