From Canary to Eagle
Palace's goalkeeping contingent was bolstered when shot-stopper Matthews joined the club in July 2021 from Sunderland after a successful spell with Bolton Wanderers.
Palace's goalkeeping contingent was bolstered when shot-stopper Matthews joined the club in July 2021 from Sunderland after a successful spell with Bolton Wanderers.
Matthews began his career at Carrow Road, coming through the Academy at Norwich City where he worked with current-Palace goalkeeping coach Dean Kiely, before making a series of loan moves to get his professional career underway.
His professional debut came for Burton Albion as they began life in League One, starring in a 2-1 victory over Scunthorpe United. It was the beginning of a successful season at the Pirelli Stadium, as the Brewers secured a second successive promotion.
After a period with Doncaster Rovers, Maatthews enjoyed a successful season with Hamilton Academical in the Scottish Premiership, featuring 27 times across the campaign before returning to England for a loan spell with Plymouth Argyle.
Impressing once again in League One, Matthews joined Bolton Wanderers on a permanent deal, playing a crucial role in their battle against relegation despite being deducted 12 points before the start of the season.
The 27-year-old joined Palace in July 2021 to become the Eagles’ second signing of the transfer window after Michael Olise. He became the third member of the club’s goalkeeping cohort, vying with Vicente Guaita and Jack Butland for playing time at Selhurst Park.
Having represented the Eagles at Under-21 level, Matthews went out on loan to Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone in 2022/23, keeping six clean sheets in 35 appearances for the Saints.
The 'keeper made his Premier League debut in December 2023, replacing the injured Sam Johnstone against Liverpool at Selhurst Park.