Jack Matthews: From Plymouth Argyle mascot to first-year professional

JACK Matthews grew up as a young Plymouth Argyle fan being dazzled by the playmaking ability of Graham Carey and Ruben Lameiras.

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

Now the 18-year-old defender is one step closer to emulating the likes of Sonny Bradley and Curtis Nelson, two more of his favourite ever Pilgrims’ players, after signing his first professional contract with the Championship club. A regular for the history-making Argyle under-18s side which won both the EFL Youth Alliance South West Division and Merit League One last season, the teenage prospect from Newquay has already had a very brief taste of first team action.

That was as a 119th minute substitute in Argyle’s 4-1 defeat after extra-time by Leeds United in a FA Cup fourth round replay, live on BBC One, at a sold-out Home Park in February. It has only whetted his appetite for more.

Matthews told Herald Sport: “I can’t believe I’m going to be a professional footballer for the club I support and in the Championship, it’s a dream come true. Obviously, now you have got to come off cloud nine and start working hard to prove why I’m here.

“People keep reminding me I can’t slack, I have got to keep on top of it and keep trying hard to impress. Just because you have got a contract it doesn’t mean you have made it. Hopefully, I can make myself known and keep myself in the squad.”

He continued: “I have been going (to watch Argyle) with my dad since I was a little boy. It has been good to see how the club has progressed since getting relegated, to now being in the Championship. You are proud to see the club you play for, and support, come this far. It’s good to see.