Adam Matthews
Encyclopedia
Adam James Matthews is a Welsh
footballer who currently plays as a right back for Scottish Premier League
club Celtic
and the Welsh national team
.
in Swansea
and before choosing football, was also a talented rugby
player including being followed by the Ospreys rugby union
side. Matthews' cousins, Liam and Sam, are both members of the academy
at Cardiff City
.
but suffered a broken arm and was told to come back when he had recovered from the injury. After returning to fitness Matthews attempted to return to Swansea but was told that their youth system was now full.
rivals Cardiff City
and as the only player of around forty attendants at the trial chosen, signed on academy terms at the age of 8 and, after making his way through the youth side, signed a professional contract in January 2009. On 21 April 2009 Matthews featured in the full side for the first time, when he was named as a substitute in a 2–2 draw with Charlton Athletic
.
He went on to make his professional debut at the start of the 2009–10 season
when he replaced Paul Quinn during a 1–1 draw with Blackpool
on 15 August. Due to injuries in the squad, Matthews was handed consecutive starts start in a 3–1 win over Plymouth Argyle
followed by a 3–0 win over Bristol City
, forcing an own goal from Bristol captain Jamie McCombe
. His performances earned him a regular starting spot in the side, missing two matches in the following two months, including scoring his first senior goal during a 4–0 win over Watford
on 3 October 2009 when goalkeeper Scott Loach
misjudged Matthews' 50-yard free-kick, allowing the ball to bounce into the net. Prior to the January 2010 transfer window, Matthews was linked with moves to a number of Premier League clubs, including reports of an already completed deal with Premier League champions Manchester United
, however Cardiff manager Dave Jones dismissed the rumours stating that no offers had been made. His performances during his debut season also saw him named as the Football League Apprentice of the Year for the Championship with Cardiff academy
assistant manager Geraint Twose describing him as "a shining example to every young player on how to perform on the pitch, and also how to behave off the pitch."
announced they had secured the signing of Matthews on a pre-contract agreement to commence on 1 July, on a four-year contract. Matthews will team up with his former Cardiff teammate Joe Ledley
. Matthews was given the number two shirt that was previously worn by Andreas Hinkel
. Matthews made an impressive debut in a 1-0 win over Aberdeen
on 7 August. He then played in his first European match, after coming on as a substitute in Celtic's 2-0 loss to Atlético Madrid. On 29 September he played in Celtic's 1-1 Europa League draw with Udinese
, he started the match at right back but moved to left back for the second half when fellow countryman Joe Ledley
went off injured. After an impressive start to the season, it was reported that English Premier League clubs Fulham
and Everton
were interested in signing Matthews.
on 28 February 2008 in a 1–0 win over Austria and played in two out of the team's three matches during the 2008 UEFA Under-17 Championship elite round. On 15 September 2008, he captained the side for the first time during a 4–1 win over Faroe Islands, the first match during the qualifying round of the 2009 UEFA Under-17 Championship
, remaining as captain throughout the remaining matches of the qualifying round. His final appearance for the under-17 side came on 28 March 2009 in a 3–0 defeat against Finland
.
In July 2008, he was part of the under-19 side
that took part in the Milk Cup
, featuring in games against Chile and Israel. His next participation at youth level for Wales came when he was called up to the under-21 side
for matches against Hungary
and Italy
, but remained on the bench in both games. On 9 November 2009, Matthews was called up to the Wales senior squad
for the first time in his career for a friendly against Scotland
at the age of seventeen, but remained on the bench. Four days later, Matthews made his debut for the under-21 side when he played 45 minutes in a 2–1 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina
before being substituted due to a foot injury.
Matthews made his senior Wales debut on 25 May 2011, against Scotland
, in the Nations Cup, he came on as 61st minute substitute for Neal Eardley
.
Welsh people
The Welsh people are an ethnic group and nation associated with Wales and the Welsh language.John Davies argues that the origin of the "Welsh nation" can be traced to the late 4th and early 5th centuries, following the Roman departure from Britain, although Brythonic Celtic languages seem to have...
footballer who currently plays as a right back for Scottish Premier League
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
club Celtic
Celtic F.C.
Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
and the Welsh national team
Wales national football team
The Wales national football team represents Wales in international football. It is controlled by the Football Association of Wales , the governing body for football in Wales, and the third oldest national football association in the world. The team have only qualified for a major international...
.
Early life
As a child, Matthews attended Penyrheol Comprehensive SchoolPenyrheol Comprehensive School
Penyrheol Comprehensive School is a secondary school in Gorseinon, Swansea, Wales. .-Admissions:It has around 1,000 pupils from the Penyrheol, Gorseinon, and Loughor areas. It is just east of the B4296, accessed via two miles along the A4240 from junction 47 of the M4.It does not have a sixth form...
in Swansea
Swansea
Swansea is a coastal city and county in Wales. Swansea is in the historic county boundaries of Glamorgan. Situated on the sandy South West Wales coast, the county area includes the Gower Peninsula and the Lliw uplands...
and before choosing football, was also a talented rugby
Rugby football
Rugby football is a style of football named after Rugby School in the United Kingdom. It is seen most prominently in two current sports, rugby league and rugby union.-History:...
player including being followed by the Ospreys rugby union
Rugby union
Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
side. Matthews' cousins, Liam and Sam, are both members of the academy
Cardiff City F.C. Academy
The Cardiff City F.C. Academy is the youth academy currently set up at Cardiff City in order to discover and nurture young talent. The academy has a range of players from ages seven to 18.-Information:...
at Cardiff City
Cardiff City F.C.
Cardiff City Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Cardiff, Wales. The club competes in the English football pyramid and is currently playing in the Football League Championship. Cardiff City is the best supported football club in Wales, averaging approximately 22,500 for...
.
Early career
After playing local football, Matthews was taken on trial at Swansea CitySwansea City A.F.C.
Swansea City Association Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Swansea, Wales. One of the most successful clubs in Welsh football, it has won 10 Welsh Cups and led the English Football League First Division in December 1981, before finishing the season in 6th position...
but suffered a broken arm and was told to come back when he had recovered from the injury. After returning to fitness Matthews attempted to return to Swansea but was told that their youth system was now full.
Cardiff City
Matthews attended a trial at Swansea's South WalesSouth Wales derby
The South Wales derby is a football local derby between Welsh clubs Cardiff City and Swansea City and is regarded as one of the most fierce rivalries in British football....
rivals Cardiff City
Cardiff City F.C.
Cardiff City Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Cardiff, Wales. The club competes in the English football pyramid and is currently playing in the Football League Championship. Cardiff City is the best supported football club in Wales, averaging approximately 22,500 for...
and as the only player of around forty attendants at the trial chosen, signed on academy terms at the age of 8 and, after making his way through the youth side, signed a professional contract in January 2009. On 21 April 2009 Matthews featured in the full side for the first time, when he was named as a substitute in a 2–2 draw with Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic F.C.
Charlton Athletic Football Club is an English professional football club based in Charlton, in the London Borough of Greenwich. They compete in Football League One, the third tier of English football. The club was founded on 9 June 1905, when a number of youth clubs in the southeast London area,...
.
He went on to make his professional debut at the start of the 2009–10 season
Cardiff City F.C. season 2009–10
The 2009–10 season is Cardiff City F.C.'s 83rd season in The Football League since joining in 1920. The season is also the club's first in the Cardiff City Stadium, replacing their former ground Ninian Park, which had been used by the club for 99 years. Cardiff had their most successful season in...
when he replaced Paul Quinn during a 1–1 draw with Blackpool
Blackpool F.C.
Blackpool Football Club are an English football club founded in 1887 from the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool. They are competing in the 2011–12 season of the The Championship, the second tier of professional football in England, having been relegated from the Premier League at the end of the...
on 15 August. Due to injuries in the squad, Matthews was handed consecutive starts start in a 3–1 win over Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth Argyle F.C.
Plymouth Argyle Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Plymouth, Devon, that plays in Football League Two.Since becoming professional in 1903, the club has won five Football League titles, five Southern League titles and one Western League title. The 2009–10 season was the...
followed by a 3–0 win over Bristol City
Bristol City F.C.
Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England . They play at Ashton Gate, located in the south-west of the City...
, forcing an own goal from Bristol captain Jamie McCombe
Jamie McCombe
Jamie Paul McCombe is an English football defender who currently plays for Huddersfield Town in Football League One, although as of 24 November 2011, he is on loan at fellow League One side Preston North End....
. His performances earned him a regular starting spot in the side, missing two matches in the following two months, including scoring his first senior goal during a 4–0 win over Watford
Watford F.C.
Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade...
on 3 October 2009 when goalkeeper Scott Loach
Scott Loach
Scott James Loach is an English footballer. He plays as a goalkeeper for Watford in the Football League Championship, having previously spent loan spells with non-league Stafford Rangers and League Two sides Morecambe and Bradford City. He has played for England at under-21 level, and in August...
misjudged Matthews' 50-yard free-kick, allowing the ball to bounce into the net. Prior to the January 2010 transfer window, Matthews was linked with moves to a number of Premier League clubs, including reports of an already completed deal with Premier League champions Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
, however Cardiff manager Dave Jones dismissed the rumours stating that no offers had been made. His performances during his debut season also saw him named as the Football League Apprentice of the Year for the Championship with Cardiff academy
Cardiff City F.C. Academy
The Cardiff City F.C. Academy is the youth academy currently set up at Cardiff City in order to discover and nurture young talent. The academy has a range of players from ages seven to 18.-Information:...
assistant manager Geraint Twose describing him as "a shining example to every young player on how to perform on the pitch, and also how to behave off the pitch."
Celtic
On 25 February 2011, CelticCeltic F.C.
Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
announced they had secured the signing of Matthews on a pre-contract agreement to commence on 1 July, on a four-year contract. Matthews will team up with his former Cardiff teammate Joe Ledley
Joe Ledley
Joseph Christopher Ledley is a Welsh footballer who plays for Scottish Premier League club Celtic and the Welsh national team as a central or left midfielder....
. Matthews was given the number two shirt that was previously worn by Andreas Hinkel
Andreas Hinkel
Andreas Hinkel is a German footballer who currently plays for German Bundesliga club SC Freiburg.He is a right back and has 21 caps for Germany....
. Matthews made an impressive debut in a 1-0 win over Aberdeen
Aberdeen F.C.
Aberdeen Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
on 7 August. He then played in his first European match, after coming on as a substitute in Celtic's 2-0 loss to Atlético Madrid. On 29 September he played in Celtic's 1-1 Europa League draw with Udinese
Udinese Calcio
Udinese Calcio is an Italian football club based in Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and currently plays in the Serie A. Founded in 1896, Udinese is the second oldest club in the Serie A, after Genoa....
, he started the match at right back but moved to left back for the second half when fellow countryman Joe Ledley
Joe Ledley
Joseph Christopher Ledley is a Welsh footballer who plays for Scottish Premier League club Celtic and the Welsh national team as a central or left midfielder....
went off injured. After an impressive start to the season, it was reported that English Premier League clubs Fulham
Fulham F.C.
Fulham Football Club is a professional English Premier League club based in southwest London Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Founded in 1879, they play in the Premier League, their 11th current season...
and Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
were interested in signing Matthews.
International career
Matthews made his debut for the Wales under-17 sideWales national under-17 football team
The Wales national under-17 football team is the national under-17 football team of Wales and is controlled by the Football Association of Wales.-Current squad:...
on 28 February 2008 in a 1–0 win over Austria and played in two out of the team's three matches during the 2008 UEFA Under-17 Championship elite round. On 15 September 2008, he captained the side for the first time during a 4–1 win over Faroe Islands, the first match during the qualifying round of the 2009 UEFA Under-17 Championship
2009 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship
- Group B :--------------------- Semi-finals :----- Final :- References :**...
, remaining as captain throughout the remaining matches of the qualifying round. His final appearance for the under-17 side came on 28 March 2009 in a 3–0 defeat against Finland
Finland national under-17 football team
The Finland national under-17 football team represents Finland in international football competitions in the FIFA U-17 World Cup and the UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship, as well as any other under-17 international football tournaments...
.
In July 2008, he was part of the under-19 side
Wales national under-19 football team
The Wales national under-19 football team is the national under-19 football team of Wales and is controlled by the Football Association of Wales. The team competes in the UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship held every year.-Recent history:...
that took part in the Milk Cup
Milk Cup
The Milk Cup is an international youth football tournament held annually in Northern Ireland. The cup matches are mainly played in the North Coast area of Northern Ireland, with matches taking place in the towns of Portrush, Portstewart, Castlerock, Limavady, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Ballymena and...
, featuring in games against Chile and Israel. His next participation at youth level for Wales came when he was called up to the under-21 side
Wales national under-21 football team
The Wales national under-21 football team, also known as the Wales U21s, is the national under-21 football team of Wales and is controlled by the Football Association of Wales. The team competes in the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, held every two years...
for matches against Hungary
Hungary national under-21 football team
The Hungary national under-21 football team is the national under-21 football team for Hungary and is controlled by the Hungarian Football Federation.Following the realignment of UEFA's youth competitions in 1976, the Hungarian Under-21 team was formed...
and Italy
Italy national under-21 football team
The Italy national under-21 football team is the national under-21 football team of Italy and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation.The team competes in the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, held every two years...
, but remained on the bench in both games. On 9 November 2009, Matthews was called up to the Wales senior squad
Wales national football team
The Wales national football team represents Wales in international football. It is controlled by the Football Association of Wales , the governing body for football in Wales, and the third oldest national football association in the world. The team have only qualified for a major international...
for the first time in his career for a friendly against Scotland
Scotland national football team
The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...
at the age of seventeen, but remained on the bench. Four days later, Matthews made his debut for the under-21 side when he played 45 minutes in a 2–1 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina national under-21 football team
Bosnia and Herzegovina U21 national football team is a youth team of Bosnia and Herzegovina that represents the country in the European Under-21 Football Championship and friendly matches....
before being substituted due to a foot injury.
Matthews made his senior Wales debut on 25 May 2011, against Scotland
Scotland national football team
The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...
, in the Nations Cup, he came on as 61st minute substitute for Neal Eardley
Neal Eardley
Neal James Eardley is a Welsh international footballer who plays for Blackpool. His predominant position is as a right back...
.
Career statistics
| Club | Season | League | Cup | League Cup | Europe | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Cardiff City Cardiff City F.C. Cardiff City Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Cardiff, Wales. The club competes in the English football pyramid and is currently playing in the Football League Championship. Cardiff City is the best supported football club in Wales, averaging approximately 22,500 for... |
2009–10 2009–10 Football League The Football League 2009–10, called the Coca-Cola Football League for sponsorship reasons, was the 110th completed season of the Football League. It began in August 2009 and concluded in May 2010, with the promotion play-off finals. The Football League is contested through three Divisions. The... |
32 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | – | 35 | 1 | ||
| 2010–11 2010–11 Football League The Football League 2010–11, called the Npower Football League, was the 111th completed season of the Football League. It began in August 2010 and concluded in May 2011, with the promotion play-off finals.... |
9 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | – | 13 | 0 | |||
| Total | 41 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 | - | – | 48 | 1 | |||
| Celtic Celtic F.C. Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the... |
2011–12 2011–12 Scottish Premier League The 2011–12 Scottish Premier League is the fourteenth season of the Scottish Premier League, the highest division of Scottish football, since its inception in 1998. The season started on 23 July 2011.... |
12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 | – | 19 | 0 | |
| Total | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 | – | 19 | 0 | ||
| Career total | 53 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | – | 67 | 1 | ||