Thanks to Dave Rowntree for many of the player images after 1984.
Can you help? This page is the result of the best endeavours of all concerned. If you spot a mistake or know of facts to add, or have a better photo, please get in touch using 'Contact Us' (top, right).
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JOHN MATTHEWS
Born: 01 November 1955
Came from: Chesterfield Went to: Torquay United
First game: 17 August 1985 Last game: 29 April 1989
Appearances: 159 (153/6) Goals: 5
Born in Camden, Matthews came through the youth ranks at Highbury, making his debut as a full back in August 1974. He went on to play 45 times for Arsenal in five years, scoring twice, but with competition from the likes of Liam Brady and a broken leg which cost him a season, a regular place proved elusive and he moved to Sheffield United in 1978. Converted to a midfielder, Matthews stayed at Bramall Lane for four years and scored 14 times in 103 games before moving on a free transfer to Mansfield Town. Two years later he was on the move again, this time a free transfer to Chesterfield where he played a key role in their 1984-85 Fourth Division championship season. Joining Argyle on a free in August 1985, the cultured playmaker helped Dave Smith’s promotion winners to the runners-up spot, remaining at Home Park until June 1989, when he was reunited with Smith at Torquay United. He played a further 25 times for the Gulls before finishing his career with Dorchester Town.
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APPEARANCE DETAILS [reselect competitions]
The details below reflect appearances in all first-team competitions.
I'm very grateful to many who have helped write GoS-DB's player pen-pictures, and to Dave Rowntree, the PAFC Media Team and Colin Parsons for their help with photos. Thanks also to staff at the National Football Museum, the Scottish Football Museum and ScotlandsPeople for their valuable assistance.
The following publications have been particularly valuable in the research of pen-pictures: Plymouth Argyle, A Complete Record 1903-1989 (Brian Knight, ISBN 0-907969-40-2); Plymouth Argyle, 101 Golden Greats (Andy Riddle, ISBN 1-874287-47-3); Football League Players' Records 1888-1939 (Michael Joyce, ISBN 1-899468-67-6); Football League Players' Records 1946-1988 (Barry Hugman, ISBN 1-85443-020-3) and Plymouth Argyle Football Club Handbooks.
Greens on Screen is run as a service to fellow supporters, in all good faith, without commercial or private gain. I have no wish to abuse copyright regulations and apologise unreservedly if this occurs. If you own any of the material used on this site, and object to its inclusion, please get in touch using the 'Contact Us' button at the top of each page.