User:FalzonMichael1989/sandbox

Matthew Towns

Name:	Matthew

Surname:	Towns

Position:	Goalkeeper

Date of Birth: 12th September 1982

Age: 30

Height: 6ft 3ins (1.91m)

Weight: 88kgs

Nationality:	English

Current Club: St. Andrews FC (Malta)

Previous Clubs:	 Macclesfield Town FC, Prestatyn Town FC, Droylsden FC, Witton Albion FC (loan), Floriana FC, Valletta Fc

English goalkeeper Matthew Towns started his football career playing Non - League football in England from the age of 17. He then took a break from football from the age of 21 to 23 following the death of his father. He then began playing again whilst at University. In February 2008 Matthew was chosen to represent England Universities. During his days at the University, Matthew studied a joint honors degree in Sports Studies. He graduated in 2008 with a BSc (Hons) in Sports Studies and Strength and Conditioning.

CLUB CAREER

Macclesfield Town FC

At the start of the 2008/09 season and after signing on non-contract terms in 2007 whilst at university, he was offered a full-time contract by Macclesfield Town, who beat a number of league clubs to get his signature. Unfortunately while playing for Macclesfield Town, Matthew broke his wrist during training which was misdiagnosed and he continued playing and training for two weeks. Once diagnosed correctly Matthew underwent surgery and recovered in time to be included in the squad to face Everton in that seasons FA Cup. Matt struggled to break in to the first team following his injury and was subsequently released at the end of the season, but was again offered non-contract forms for the following 2009-2010 season, which he turned down in order to gain a full time contract elsewhere. Before Matt had chance to begin preseason with any other club he had a car accident which nearly ended his football career. In the summer of 2009, Matthew was released by Macclesfield Town.

Prestatyn Town FC

In July 2009, Matthew joined Prestatyn Town FC, a football club in the Welsh Premier League, turning down offers in the English non-league in order to begin to revive his career. He made his debut for the Seasiders on the opening of the 2009/10 season at Park Hall against TNS. Towns opted to play back in England from January 2010 to the end of the season for personal reasons.

Droylsden FC

On August 2, 2010 Matthew joined Droylsden F.C., a club who plays in the conference north 5th league of English football. In that season Droylsden had an FA Cup run and were eliminated from the competition by Leyton Orient after replay. Whilst at Droylsden Matt spent 2 weeks on loan at Witton Albion, making 2 appearances before making a move in to the top flight of Maltese football

Floriana FC

In January 2011, Towns arrived in Malta and signed a contract till the end of the season with Floriana FC in February. Towns made his debut with Floriana on 30th April. At the beginning of his spell with the Greens, Towns was a substitute to Tunisian goalkeeper Loft Saidi but soon claimed the Number 1 spot to help The Greens to 2nd place in the League (Floriana's highest finish in some time) and in May he was one of the protagonists in the final of the U*Bet FA Trophy making a man of the match performance. Giving the Greens of Floriana their first trophy in 17 years.

In August 2011, he was expected to extend his stay with Floriana but was later released after reportedly signing a contract extension.

Valletta FC

He signed a two-year deal with the Valletta, on August 3, 2011 which saw him join the biggest club in Maltese Football over a host of other Premier Division Clubs. Matt enjoyed club success by wining the Maltese Premier League and being part of the squad to gain qualification to the Champions League qualifying rounds. Although there was club success and Matt was and still is viewed as one of the top goalkeepers playing in Maltese Football his playing opportunities were limited due to the fact that only 4 foreign players can be fielded at one time and Valletta had some 16 foreign players in their squad at one stage.

St. Andrews FC (Malta)

In July 2012, St Andrews of the Maltese First division rushed to secure Matt as their Number 1 goalkeeper and beat a host of clubs from both Malta and the Uk to sign the 6ft3ins shot stopper. Matt joined St Andrews on a 2 year contract and has taken the role as the nursery's head goalkeeping coach. His performances on the field have already caught the eye and he has been ever present, influential and vital in the clubs early success with a host of match winning saves and all round solid performances.

Playing Career Appearances :

2012 - Present St Andrews FC - Maltese 1st Division Apps: 12* Clean Sheets: 4*

2011 - 2012 Valletta FC - Maltese Premier League Apps : 2 Clean Sheets : 2

2011 (Feb - Jul) Floriana FC - Maltese Premier League Apps: 10

2010 - 2011 (July - Feb) Droylsden FC - English Conference North Apps: 10

Witton Albion FC (loan) Jan 2011 Apps: 2

2009 - 2010 (Jul - Jun) Prestatyn Town FC - Welsh Premier League Apps: 6

2008 - 2009 (Jun - Jul) Macclesfield Town FC - English League 2 Apps: 1 Reserves Apps: 14

2006 - 2008 (Sep - Jun) University of Derby Buxton England Universities 1 Cap

PLAYING HONOURS

2011 - 2012

Champions Maltese Premier League (Champions League Qualification) Super Cup Winners

2010 - 2011

Runners Up Malta Premier League F.A. Trophy Winner Europa League Qualification (2 Appearances)

2008

England Universities 1 Cap