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Matthews was born in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent and was the third of four sons. His father, Jack Matthews, was a renowned local boxer who fostered a sense of discipline, determination and sportsmanship that would serve his son well during his long career.

A natural right-winger, he showed early promise and played for England schoolboys against Wales. He signed professional terms with Stoke City F.C. in 1932. His international debut came in 1934, scoring in the England side which beat Wales 4-0. In 1937 he scored a hat-trick in a game against Czechoslovakia.

The war interrupted his career, during which time he served in the RAFThe Royal Air Force (often abbreviated to RAF is the air force of the United Kingdom. History Formation and Early History The Royal Flying Corps was formed by Royal Warrant on May 13, 1912 superseding the Air Battalion of the Royal Engineers. The Royal Na and was stationed near BlackpoolBlackpool is a seaside town in England, on the coast of the Irish Sea. It is traditionally part of Lancashire but on April 1, 1998 was made into an independent unitary authority. The town boundaries are drawn very tightly, and exclude the nearby settlemen. After falling out with Stoke, he transferred to join Blackpool F.C.Blackpool Football Club is an English professional football club. Its home ground is located at Bloomfield Road in the centre of the resort of Blackpool in north-west England. Blackpool FC are known as the Seasiders or Tangerines. Their team colour is tan with whom he won an FA CupThe Football Association Challenge Cup commonly known as the FA Cup is the main "knockout" cup competition in English football, run by and named after The Football Association. The FA Cup is the oldest football competition in the world. As such its presti winners medal in 19531953 is a common year starting on Thursday (click on link for the calendar). Events January events January 7 President Harry S. Truman announces the United States has developed a hydrogen bomb. January 13 Marshal Josip Broz Tito chosen President of Yugosl - a match dubbed the 'Matthews Final' in recognition of his pivotal role.

He played his final England game in 1957Events January January 2 San Francisco and Los Angeles stock exchanges merge. January 3 Hamilton Watch Company introduces the first electric watch January 4 After 69 years the last issue of Colliers magazine is published January 5 Russell Endean becomes t; he remains the oldest player to have played in an England shirt.

In 19611961 (As MAD Magazine pointed out on its first cover for the year) was the first "upside-down" year i. one that looked the same upside down since 1881, and the last until 6009. Events January January 1 The farthing coin, used since the 13th century, cease (aged 46) he rejoined his hometown club Stoke City where he remained until the end of his playing career, hanging up his boots just after his 50th birthday. In 19651965 was a common year starting on Friday (the link is to a full 1965 calendar). Events January-February January 4 United States President Lyndon Johnson proclaims his " Great Society" during his State of the Union address. January 14 Prime Ministers of N his services to sport were officially recognised when he became the first football player to be knighted.

He then went on to manage several clubs.

During his illustrious career he gained respect, not only as a great player, but also as a gentleman. This is exemplified by the fact that despite playing in over seven hundred league games, he was never booked. There is a statue of Matthews outside Stoke City's Britannia Stadium and another in the centre of Hanley. The dedication on the former reads: His name is symbolic of the beauty of the game, his fame timeless and international, his sportsmanship and modesty universally acclaimed. A magical player, of the people, for the people.