Matty Fryatt was signed for Leicester City by then manager Craig Levein, but just 16 days after his arrival from Walsall the Scot had left and Fryatt felt a bit shocked by that decision. But with Rob Kelly then assistant pushed up to take first the vacant position as caretaker and later becoming the permanent choice, Matty became part of the plan and a certain start up front.
He had made his mark as a youngster playing and England U.19 level, scoring four goals in six outings as a youth international. He established himself, still in his teens, up front at Walsall and played with Paul Merson, who might have given Matty some good advice as his goalscoring at The Bescot became well known. 27 goals in 70 league games for The Saddles over a period of three years must be said to be a good record.
He just continued scoring goals also at Leicester City, but had to see relegation in his eyes when he was part of the squad that finally lost their battle for survival at Stoke City in May 2008. But he also had a vital contribution to the League 1 promotion the season after, scoring 27 goals in 46 games, being an ever present that season.
Fryatt played alongside more experienced players such as Steve Howard and Paul Dickov and also had a flourishing parntership with Iain Hume. Matty Fryatt continued to score goals even in the 2009/10 season as Leicester City fought well and managed to reach the play off’s of the Championship, but was defeated by Cardiff City at the first stage.
Nigel Pearson was surprisingly dismissed by Leicester City and took over at Hull City, made an offer Matty and the top forward made his move to join The Tigers. Matty had completed five seasons at Leicester City, played 168 league games and scored a total of 51 goals.
His time at Hull City had it’s up’s and down’s but must be seen as a success experiencing the thrill of a promotion to the Premier League, playing at the highest level, scoring at the highest level and also being a key in a FA Cup run that did see Matty playing in the final v. Arsenal and scoring in the Semi’s v. Sheffield United.
Nottingham Forest did see his potential and a final move to City Ground appeared in 2014. But his time there never became a great success, just playing 25 league games, scoring 6 goals, over a period of three years. After a number of injury problems Matty got released and announced his retirement from the game in January 2018, still not more than 31 years of age.
Fryatt also had loan spells at Carlisle United and Sheffield Wednesday during his career, today he is back at Walsall and part of the youth setup at The Bescot, currently the head coach of the U.15’s.
FACTFILE:
- Full Name: Matthew Charles Fryatt
- Position: Forwards
- Date of Birth: 05.03.1986
- Birthplace: Nuneaton
- Nation: England
- Caps / Goals: –
- Major League Career:
- 2003-06, Walsall (70/27)
- 2006-11, Leicester City (168/51)
- 2011-14, Hull City (82/27)
- 2014-17, Nottingham Forest (25/6)
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