Port Vale Sign Lee Matthews
Port Vale manager Martin Foyle’s first signing of the summer has been confirmed as Bristol City’s experienced centre-forward Lee Matthews.
Matthews: His Career So Far:
25 year-old Matthews began his career at Elland Road but failed to force his way into the Leeds United first team.
After loan spells at Gillingham and Notts County, he joined Bristol City on loan in 2001 and promptly came off the bench to score on his debut against Millwall.
Bristol City subsequently signed the striker permanently for £70,000 plus £30,000 after an agreed number of appearances.
The striker did well in his first season, although appearances were limited. Matthews managed three goals in just six league starts acting as back-up to first choice pairing Lee Peacock and Tony Thorpe.
But the player’s Ashton Gate career was constantly interrupted by injury and this season, with his contract due to expire, the striker was loaned to rivals Bristol Rovers and neighbours Yeovil Town.
Martin Foyle was delighted by the capture of Matthews telling the official Port Vale website: “Lee is a big lad and can run down the channels. It’s great for a club in our position to be able to sign a good quality centre-forward.”
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Lee Matthews Factfile:
Born: 16.01.1979
Birthplace: Middlesbrough
Height: 6.01
Clubs: Leeds, Bristol City
Loan Spells: Notts Co, Gillingham, Darlington, Bristol R, Yeovil
Games: 39 (plus 48 as substitute)
Goals: 12
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