07/10/24
Where to start!
Firstly, thank you for all the messages – they have been incredible to read.
Slough Town has remained my football home for 7 years (with a couple of short excursions!) and 248 games falling painfully short of a personal milestone that I have looked forward to reaching. We have had some special memories but like most goodbyes, there is never a good time.
I guess it is worth confirming that I didn’t expect, nor want to leave. It is a shock, and I would have done anything to stay. I believe I have many of my best years ahead of me, I love the club and my ambition was to play the remainder of my career here. I was and remain disappointed by the decision but of course accept it.
Ash and Scotty suggested writing something to the fans and hopefully that should immediately end any speculation of a big falling out! I maintain a lot of respect and admiration for what Scott has achieved since taking over. I have no doubt he will go on to do some great things in management. I have always enjoyed playing under him and his management team. Football is football – worse things have happened!
With Slough across the last 7 years, we have been promoted together, reached the play-offs, come back from 4-0 down in Merthyr on a bleak Tuesday night and of course enjoyed a few memorable FA Cup runs. It has been a truly incredible journey, and I am so lucky to have had it. Thanks to Slough Town I have had experiences that I dreamt of and memories that will last forever.
Gainsborough will be the one most remembered most – what a day! Bakes told me years later that until that morning it was 50/50 on whether I would start. Having dined out on that hat-trick ever since I am incredibly relieved that the decision fell my way that day!
Slough’s fans are different to most other clubs. Win or lose you are an ever-present positive force. It is a rarity in football to find a group of fans that will literally stick behind you whatever the performance. You should know what a hugely positive effect you have on the team and the foundation it provides the players to reach their best. In recent months I have loved standing behind the goal observing first-hand the rebel army being led into voice by the banging of a bin, the beat of that drum and the blowing of the trumpet. Thank you for welcoming me in - a true 12th man!
The most significant loss will likely be felt not on the pitch but in the bar. Pints of red wine sales are now destined to nosedive with the loss of my old man. Again, having read the statement and messages from you fans I would like to thank you all for being so welcoming to my parents over the years. They are converted Rebels - I have no doubt they will be back.
In recent months I have been recovering from the worst injury of my career. I have been lucky not to have had many injuries, I was probably due one. It was sustained playing for Slough early last season, but I continued playing - painkillers and adrenaline are a cracking combination! In hindsight I wish I hadn’t and maybe then I wouldn’t be writing this message. Now back to fitness we have come to the end. I am gutted not to be afforded the opportunity to earn my place back in the side, but the club have started well and that is life.
I have no idea what the next chapter will be for me - I have spent 7 years winding up the opposition which may rule a few clubs out! Whatever it is I will do my best to make it another memorable chapter and whether it be against or who knows for Slough, I hope to play at the Wembley of Berkshire again soon!
I have truly appreciated all your support – Stay behind the team – Thank You – UTR
Matt x
Firstly, thank you for all the messages – they have been incredible to read.
Slough Town has remained my football home for 7 years (with a couple of short excursions!) and 248 games falling painfully short of a personal milestone that I have looked forward to reaching. We have had some special memories but like most goodbyes, there is never a good time.
I guess it is worth confirming that I didn’t expect, nor want to leave. It is a shock, and I would have done anything to stay. I believe I have many of my best years ahead of me, I love the club and my ambition was to play the remainder of my career here. I was and remain disappointed by the decision but of course accept it.
Ash and Scotty suggested writing something to the fans and hopefully that should immediately end any speculation of a big falling out! I maintain a lot of respect and admiration for what Scott has achieved since taking over. I have no doubt he will go on to do some great things in management. I have always enjoyed playing under him and his management team. Football is football – worse things have happened!
With Slough across the last 7 years, we have been promoted together, reached the play-offs, come back from 4-0 down in Merthyr on a bleak Tuesday night and of course enjoyed a few memorable FA Cup runs. It has been a truly incredible journey, and I am so lucky to have had it. Thanks to Slough Town I have had experiences that I dreamt of and memories that will last forever.
Gainsborough will be the one most remembered most – what a day! Bakes told me years later that until that morning it was 50/50 on whether I would start. Having dined out on that hat-trick ever since I am incredibly relieved that the decision fell my way that day!
Slough’s fans are different to most other clubs. Win or lose you are an ever-present positive force. It is a rarity in football to find a group of fans that will literally stick behind you whatever the performance. You should know what a hugely positive effect you have on the team and the foundation it provides the players to reach their best. In recent months I have loved standing behind the goal observing first-hand the rebel army being led into voice by the banging of a bin, the beat of that drum and the blowing of the trumpet. Thank you for welcoming me in - a true 12th man!
The most significant loss will likely be felt not on the pitch but in the bar. Pints of red wine sales are now destined to nosedive with the loss of my old man. Again, having read the statement and messages from you fans I would like to thank you all for being so welcoming to my parents over the years. They are converted Rebels - I have no doubt they will be back.
In recent months I have been recovering from the worst injury of my career. I have been lucky not to have had many injuries, I was probably due one. It was sustained playing for Slough early last season, but I continued playing - painkillers and adrenaline are a cracking combination! In hindsight I wish I hadn’t and maybe then I wouldn’t be writing this message. Now back to fitness we have come to the end. I am gutted not to be afforded the opportunity to earn my place back in the side, but the club have started well and that is life.
I have no idea what the next chapter will be for me - I have spent 7 years winding up the opposition which may rule a few clubs out! Whatever it is I will do my best to make it another memorable chapter and whether it be against or who knows for Slough, I hope to play at the Wembley of Berkshire again soon!
I have truly appreciated all your support – Stay behind the team – Thank You – UTR
Matt x
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