HE has plied his trade at a number of local non-league clubs and is now about to fulfil a long-standing dream.
Devon Matthews has given up his daytime sales job to become a full-time professional footballer for the first time.
“It’s been a mad week – 48 hours ago I was in Paris for work, I landed and now I am an Accrington Stanley player,” he told his new club’s media team.
“I have been dreaming of becoming a full-time footballer and now it’s happened. I am buzzing to get started.”

The Lancashire club, struggling towards the bottom of League Two, announced the signing of the defender on Friday evening (January 31) on a two-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
Born in Oldham, Matthews is a product of Oldham Athletic’s youth system and had spells at Chadderton, Glossop North End and Mossley, before moving to Curzon Ashton in May 2022.
The 25-year-old went on to make 138 appearances for the Nash, scoring eight goals and helping to keep 46 clean sheets during two-and-a-half seasons.
Matthews was an integral part of the team, playing an important role as Curzon achieved their highest-ever league finish and reached the National League North play-offs last season, as well as advancing to the Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper on two occasions.
The centre-back has thanked everyone at Curzon for their support throughout his time at the Tameside Stadium.
“Firstly, I want to say a massive thank you to everyone at the club for the past two-and-a-half years,” said Matthews.
“The board, the fans and management have all had a massive impact on me as a player. The lads I have played with during my time have helped me massively and made my time at the club special.
“Go on and win the league now!”
Curzon wished Matthews well, saying in a statement: “Everyone at the club would like to thank Devon and wish him the best for the future. Good luck, Dev.”
The move – which is subject to EFL, National League and FA ratification – has been completed ahead of the transfer deadline on Monday (February 3).