Trevor Matthewson
Trevor Matthewson’s inclusion might surprise a few people, but he certainly wouldn’t have a problem fitting the physical side of what we do. He was a big centre-half, 6ft 4in, who could also step into midfield, and there was an attitude about him that I think would translate well into this team. Having started at Sheffield Wednesday, he eventually dropped into non-league with us and helped lead us straight back into the Football League. He then rebuilt his career to the point where he was playing second-tier football with Birmingham, so this isn’t simply me taking somebody who looked imposing in the Conference and assuming he could manage the Championship.
I remember the Barnet battle in that non-league season and Matthewson being quite prepared to get involved, although you’d obviously want to refine some of that approach for the modern game. Underneath it was a willingness to compete and stand up for his team, which I think would be appreciated here. His climb also feels relevant when you look at Freddie Draper coming through spells in Ireland and League Two, or Tom Hamer and Conor McGrandles making the step after spending so much of their careers further down the divisions.
Matthewson showed he could move upwards and cope, and that combination of physicality and application earns him a place on my list.
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