Image: Mark Avellino
The Oakleigh Cannons have confirmed the signing of former Bentleigh Greens and South Melbourne defender Tom Matthews, who moves to Jack Edwards Reserve ahead of the upcoming 2017 season.
The 29-year-old Englishman joins last year’s Grand Finalists on a two-year contract after spending the last 18 months with Geelong SC, which he helped claim the 2016 State League Two North-West title.
A product of the Hull City Academy, Matthews made his senior breakthrough at non-league Boston United before featuring for North Ferriby United.
A move to Australia in 2011 followed for the fullback, who agreed terms with Andy O’Dell’s Bentleigh Greens side, making 13 league appearances before making a mid-season switch to South Melbourne.
Brought to Lakeside Stadium by Eddie Krncevic, Matthews began to prosper in blue under new coach Peter Tsolakis and in total made 31 league appearances for South.
A controversial mid-season cull claimed both Tsolakis and Matthews in mid-2013 as well as then-skipper Luke Byles, with the former returning to Kingston Heath Soccer Complex.
He immediately helped John Anastasiadis’ men reach the 2013 Grand Final before playing every league game in their memorable 2014 campaign, which featured a run to the final four of the FFA Cup.
A regular starter the following season, Matthews was released by the club halfway through the campaign to make room for Kiwi forward Ryan de Vries, joining Geelong following 49 league games and four goals in two years.
One of the most consistent performers at Stead Park, his decision to join the Cannons sees him reunited with Tsolakis, who enjoyed a successful year back in the dugout with co-coach Con Tangalakis.
Matthews becomes Oakleigh’s fifth signing of the off-season following the arrivals of Iqi Jawadi, Nate Foster, Giuseppe Marafioti and Mehdi Sarwari, with the latter duo joining from Melbourne City Youth.
The Cannons kick-off their 2017 campaign with a season-opening home clash on February 9 against local rivals and 2016 NPL2 Champions Kingston City, who mark their return to the top-flight after a decade-long absence.