Johnny Matthews

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Johnny Matthews was born in Coventry playing with his home club Coventry City F.C.. He moved to Waterford during the 1965/66 season on St. Patricks Day under the impression from Jimmy Hill that it was for just a six week loan period. Matthews played in the last seven games scoring twice and his loan period extended. During the following season he signed for the club on a permanent basis. He continued to play for the Blues for the next 14 years and scored 147 goals for Waterford. He also played for Limerick scoring 9 goals.

In total Johnny won 6 league medals with Waterford and another with Limerick as well as 3 runners-up medals in the FAI Cup. Johnny also played in 16 European Cup matches and scored against Celtic and Manchester United.

He entered management with Newcastlewest before returning to Waterford and playing under Alfie Hale before taking the managerial reins at Waterford along with Dave Kirby. His second stint in charge with the Blues brought the First Division Title in 1990.

Johnny's greatest honour was winning league honours with Waterford but his cherished memory is scoring a penalty against Gordon Banks when the League of Ireland XI played the English League XI in 1971 at Lansdowne Road.