Matthews discusses Sunderland spell
Adam Matthews appeared on the most recent addition of the Open Goal podcast with Si Ferry to discusses his football career.
During the interview, the former Sunderland defender revealed that his initial transfer to the Stadium of Light was a ‘bit weird’ as he only found out about the bid being accepted by Celtic himself on Sky Sports News.
The Welsh international explained that he had fallen asleep after training and woke up to many missed calls from his agent and a breaking news strap that said the Scottish club had accepted a £2m bid for his services:
It’s a bit weird really, my agent said there was interest from Sunderland, I was like ok, I’ll see what they say. I left training, came home, fell asleep on the sofa with the TV on.
Woke up about 4’o’clock, 10 missed calls from my agent, Sky Sports News was on, I just seen, coming across the screen, Celtic have agreed £2m bid for Adam Matthews and I was like “Jesus”.
So I rang my agent, I swear down I fell asleep and I must have had about 14 missed calls from my agent, so I rang my agent and he was like “look, Celtic have accepted a £2m offer, Sunderland want you down tonight to sign.”
I was like, right OK. I literally jumped in the car, drove, met my agent at Sunderland and that’s how quick it was.
I really didn’t have time to think about it to be honest.
Matthews, who completed a free transfer move to Charlton Athletic yesterday, is hopeful that Sunderland can get back to the Championship and then build from there:
It’s a great club, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Sunderland all have a massive fanbase, when it’s going well they can be the best fans but when it’s going bad they can let you know that it’s going bad and they can turn quick, which I think every football fan can do.
The atmosphere in the Stadium of Light when it’s bouncing can be unreal. I remember in League One we got forty thousand for a game on Boxing Day and the place was bouncing.
Hopefully they can get back to the Championship and then the crowds will come back and hopefully they can build on that because it’s a massive club.
You can watch the full Open Goal interview with Adam Matthews by clicking play on the YouTube video below:
Lemon takes scouting role
Former Sunderland midfielder Paul Lemon has been appointed Chief Scout of National League side Chesterfield.
Lemon had previously held scouting roles at Scunthorpe United, Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town and Wigan Athletic but has now rejoined the club where he spent time with during his playing career.
The club’s Chief Executive John Croot told the Spireites official website that he was delighted to bring Lemon board:
I am delighted that we have been able to bring in someone of Paul’s calibre to take on this highly important role.
The introduction of a scouting network to identify potential new recruits was identified as a priority for the community trust when the club takeover was first discussed.
Paul has the knowledge and experience required for the role. He still lives in the town and has an affinity for the club
John Pemberton fully endorses the plans as he recognises the importance of a professional scouting system.
With Lemon adding that he cannot wait to get started in his new role:
There are good people in charge who care about the club and I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity to help them.
I’ll follow a remit from the manager to provide him with different options and I can’t wait to get out there.