Matty helps England Veterans' football team win the World Cup

After opening his international account in the pre-tournament friendly against a Pattaya XI, Matty (pictured right with fellow squad member and former York City midfielder Jon Challinor) went on to set up a goal for ex-Burnley and Crewe striker Steve Jones in the 3-0 group game victory over Vietnam.

That match was one of two that Sim Balk Lane’s sprightly 47-year-old played in during the competition which saw England beat New Zealand 1-0 in the final courtesy of another Jones goal and he admitted: “Getting on the pitch was special, as was lining up for the National Anthem and really getting that feeling that you were representing your country and doing something that’s a little unique. Those were great moments for me.”

The UEFA B Licence-qualified coach had a dual role in Thailand, as he combined playing with off-field responsibilities as part of the management team for the eight-team tournament.

On that experience, he added: “I really enjoyed analysing games and standing up in front of a group of former Premier League stars knowing that a tiny bit of information I was giving them on our opponents might have helped us across the line.”

The team played five 80-minute games in six days and matches were played out in temperatures that exceeded 37C with Matty laughing: “We were sweating just putting our socks on!”

Another highlight of the trip was visiting under-privileged Thai school children, where the squad delivered a coaching session and handed out football kits that had been donated to them before flying out.