Under the Friday Night Lights last month Matty Kay became the latest West player to join the exclusive ‘100 club’ as the sixth player to make 100 appearances for West since entering the NWCFL.
Matty joined the club in 2013, initially on dual registration from Curzon Ashton as he looked to return to fitness and help them lift the Evo-Stik Division One title, and made an instant impact scoring on his debut against Squires Gate as Andy Nelson’s side recorded a 2-1 victory. In total, West’s number 10 would make 8 appearances that season scoring four goals in the process whilst also earning himself a league winners medal with Curzon.
Following spells with FC United and Trafford, Matty returned in September 2015 to play for Steve Settle in September 2015 as he forged a lethal strike partnership with Nic Evangelinos and Ash Woods with the three combining to score 55 goals as West finished in their highest league position in their history, finishing 5th. Matty chipped in with 14 and the following season earned the golden boot award with 21 alongside winning the supporter’s player of the year award.
To date, Matty has notched 43 goals in 103 West appearances. We sat down with Matty on the eve of the Barnoldswick Town game…
“Matty,You made your 100th West appearance against Irlam. How has the club changed since you first joined?”
“There’s two massive changes that stand out. Firstly, the fan base has risen incredibly. There’s instances where we have taken more fans to an away game than we use to have attending home games and they’re second to none.”
“Secondly, its expectation. When I first arrived a mid-table team was probably where we were at. However, over the last 18 months the relative success we’ve had with league positions, points total etc, has led to a growing increase in everybody’s expectations. I, just as much as everybody else, hope the club can meet these in the future, whether that’s with me here as a player, fan or any other role.”
“You first joined on dual registration in 2014, playing for Andy Nelson. You re-joined in 2015 under Steve Settle. What have some of your favourite moments been?”
“It’s not the best goal I’ve scored but I’d probably go with the paneka penalty against Cammell Laird. I had been saying to Ben Steer for ages that I wanted to do it and luckily it went in.”
“My favourite moment was seeing and then for 90 minutes hearing, the support we had for the FC United game. Regardless of the result that will always be a fond moment I’ll look back on.”
“Matt Britton won’t forgive me if I don’t ask but you’ve become synonymous with the South Manchester Derby. what’s it like to play and score in?
“Because of our fans, Matt at the forefront, the Derby has got bigger each season to the point where it was the first game I would look for. I’ve got a good record personally with wins and goals so hopefully I’ll come back playing soon and pick up where I left off.”
“Finaly, you’ve taking a break from the game…”
“To be honest I’ve just lost all my enjoyment for playing and training. I’ve been away on holiday recently, where I got engaged, so things are really-good away from football, and I was hoping that would reignite it for me but the excitement I once had isn’t there anymore.”
“It isn’t something that has happened overnight because I’ve had conversations with the gaffer months ago explaining I wasn’t enjoying myself, but after the Winsford game I just decided enough was enough.”
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all the fans who have continued to support the team and myself through good times and bad. It meant a lot to win Supporters’ player of the year last season, and I hope results turn around for them sooner rather than later.
