Matt Gadsby facts for kids
Gadsby with Hinckley United in 2006
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Matthew John Gadsby | ||
| Date of birth | 6 September 1979 | ||
| Place of birth | Sutton Coldfield, England | ||
| Date of death | 9 September 2006 (aged 27) | ||
| Place of death | Harrogate, England | ||
| Position(s) | Defender | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1996–1998 | Walsall | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1998–2002 | Walsall | 37 | (0) |
| 2002–2003 | Mansfield Town | 20 | (0) |
| 2003–2004 | Kidderminster Harriers | 32 | (2) |
| 2004–2006 | Forest Green Rovers | 66 | (3) |
| 2006 | Hinckley United | 7 | (1) |
| Total | 162 | (6) | |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Matthew John Gadsby (born September 6, 1979 – died September 9, 2006) was an English professional footballer. He was born in Sutton Coldfield. Matt played as a defender and sometimes a midfielder for several teams. These included Walsall, Mansfield Town, Kidderminster Harriers, Forest Green, and Hinckley United.
Contents
Matt Gadsby's Football Journey
Matt Gadsby started his football career at Walsall. He grew up playing in their youth team. His first professional game was on May 2, 1998. He played for the last nine minutes against Wycombe Wanderers.
Playing for Walsall
On September 30, Matt started his first game for Walsall. They lost 2–0 at home to Reading. A big moment came on May 27, 2001. Matt was a substitute when Walsall beat Reading 3–2. This win helped Walsall get promoted to a higher league.
Moving to New Teams
After playing one season at Mansfield Town, Matt moved to Kidderminster Harriers in 2003. On November 15, he scored his first professional goal. It was the only goal in a 1–0 win against Rochdale. He scored another goal on December 13. This goal helped his team win against Leyton Orient.
Time at Forest Green Rovers
Before the 2004–05 season, Matt joined Forest Green Rovers. This was a team in the Football Conference. He scored his first goal for them on October 9. It was a shot from far away against Canvey Island. On November 20, he scored another long-range goal. This helped Forest Green come back from being 2–0 down to win 3–2 against Burton Albion.
Final Club: Hinckley United
In July 2006, Matt signed with Hinckley United. He scored the winning goal in a 2–1 victory against Farsley Celtic on August 19.
Remembering Matt Gadsby
On September 9, 2006, Matt Gadsby was playing for Hinckley United. It was a game against Harrogate Town. During the game, Matt collapsed on the field. Sadly, he passed away soon after in Harrogate District Hospital. This was just three days after his 27th birthday.
Doctors later found out that Matt died from a heart condition. It's called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. This is a condition that affects the heart muscle.
After His Passing
After Matt's death, Hinckley United's next game was postponed. The club also decided to stop using the number 5 shirt. This was the shirt number Matt wore. A special area was set up at the Marston's Stadium to remember him. A memorial football game was also played on October 29, 2006. It was between a local team and some former Leicester City players.
Achievements and Awards
Walsall
- Football League Second Division play-off winner: 2001
See also
- List of footballers who died while playing
