Back in 2021-22, Stevens was on fire for Rob Edwards’ Forest Green in League Two. He’d already netted 23 goals in 37 games for rampant Rovers as they sought promotion to the third tier, but then disaster struck.
He suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in early April and missed the run-in as Forest Green hung on to clinch the title.
Worse still, he was then absent up until Christmas of the following season as Rovers – who had lost boss Edwards to Watford and a host of their promotion winners – struggled in League One.
He made a handful of league appearances before returning to League Two in a loan spell with Walsall, scoring just once in 17 appearances.
He then netted 11 times last term in all competitions as a battered and bruised Forest Green slumpGOOD TIMES: Matty Stevens, right, in action for Forest Green Roversed to a second successive relegation, losing their coveted EFL spot in the process.
From a massive high to a massive low, Stevens – who turned 27 on Wednesday – knows how quickly football fortunes can change.
“I was on top of my game when I got the injury so it was very frustrating,” he told The FLP after netting twice for AFC Wimbledon in their 3-0 win against ten-man Crewe at Plough Lane on Tuesday night. “I felt like I’d score every time I stepped onto the pitch.
“It’s probably one of the worst injuries you can do and I was out for nine months. To see the boys go into pre-season and get ready to play against some massive clubs in League One hurt.”
Respect
This story is from the February 16, 2025 edition of The Football League Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 16, 2025 edition of The Football League Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BAKER'S RECIPE JUST PERFECT TO BAG PRIZE
STOKE City midfielder Lewis Baker has been re-warded for his incredible long-range strike against Swansea with the Sky Bet Championship Goal of the Month award for February.
NAYLOR NAILS IT AT DEATH AS THE SPIREITES GAIN REVENGE
ASSISTANT manager Danny Webb admitted that losing the 2023 National League play-off final to Notts County had given his Chesterfield side an extra incentive ahead of their victory at Meadow Lane.
ARGYLE ARE HARNESS-ED BY THE RAMS
Marcus Harness scored two as Derby beat Plymouth in a relegation six-pointer, much to the delight of manager John Eustace.
PARKER SO PROUD AS HIS CLARETS GO SECOND
Proud Burnley boss Scott Parker hailed a thoroughly professional display from his side after they moved into the automatic promotion places with victory at Swansea.
Albion's 18th draw frustrates Tony
West Bromwich Albion head coach Tony Mowbray insists his side must become more ruthless after Abu Kamara's goal cancelled out Isaac Price's excellent opener in a disappointing draw against Hull City.
WRIGHT ON CUE!
Haji hits hat-trick to lift Sky Blues
HARRIS LEFT 'GUTTED' BY POSH DEFEAT
Neil Harris described himself as “absolutely gutted” after Cambridge were beaten by rivals Peterborough.
POTTERS' FURY OVER LAST-GASP SPOT-KICK
STOKE City manager Mark Robins was fuming at the penalty decision that condemned his side to a last-gasp defeat at Millwall.
MOORE FULL OF PRAISE FOR GARRITY
PORT Vale skipper Ben Garrity was hailed by manager Darren Moore after his late goal added gloss to their win over MK Dons.
TOWN & TYKES TAKE GAMBLE
YORKSHIRE duo Huddersfield Town and Barnsley are both hoping that a late season managerial change will pep up faltering League One play-off challenges.
