Billy Matthews (footballer, born 1883)

For other footballers and people with the same name, see William Matthews.

Billy Matthews

Personal information
Full name	William Matthews
Date of birth	1882
Place of birth	Rhyl, Wales
Date of death	29 April 1921 (aged 37–38)
Place of death	Christleton, England
Position(s)	Half back
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
0000–1904	Rhyl
1904–1906	Chester
1906–1907	Rhyl
1907–1919	Chester
International career
1905–1908	Wales	2	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

William Matthews (1882 – 29 April 1921), sometimes known as Billy Matthews or William Mathews, was a Welsh professional football half back who played in non-league football for Chester and Rhyl. He was capped by Wales twice, in 1905 versus Ireland and in 1908 versus England.

Personal life

Matthews was son of William and Elizabeth Matthews of Rhyl, Flintshire. He was married to Annie and had two children. Prior to becoming a professional footballer, he worked as a labourer and as an electric engine driver. In 1915, during the second year of the First World War, he enlisted in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, but ultimately served as a Shoeing Smith with the Royal Field Artillery. In 1921, Matthews died of heart disease related to his war service and was buried in Christleton near Chester.

Honours

Chester

• The Combination: 1908–09

See also

• List of Wales international footballers (alphabetical)
• Wales Football Data Archive