For the latest in our ongoing series covering those who have achieved legendary status among the support, we feature another former Luton figure who became a fans favourite.
Following on from those already covered – John Moore, David Preece, Mal Donaghy, Brian Lewis, Bruce Rioch, Fred Jardine, Brian Horton, Kevin Nicholls, Tony Read, Steve Foster, Mike Keen, Ian Buxton, Lars Elstrup, Peter Anderson, Graham French, Alan West, David Moss, Terry Branston, John Aston, Paul Futcher, John Ryan, Syd Owen, Marvin Johnson, Malcolm MacDonald, Bob Hatton, Steve Buckley,Chris Coyne, Ron Baynham, John Still, Jack Bannister, Ricky Hill, Chris Nicholl, Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, Don Givens, Gordon Turner, Brian Stein, Jesse Pye, Raddy Antic, Joe Payne, Max Dougan, Alan Slough, Ray Whittaker, Dave Pacey, Milija Aleksic, Ron Davies, Sandy Davie John O’Rourke, Les Sealey, Bob Morton, Wally Shanks, Gordon Riddick, Billy Bingham, Herbert Moody, Adrian Alston, Reg Pearce, Keith Allen, Jimmy Ryan, George Cummins, Rodney Fern, Harry Walden, Billy McDerment, Scott Oakes, Bert Mitchell, Kingsley Black and Mike Harrison
For the latest in our ongoing and, hopefully, comprehensive series, we’re going to take a brief look at the career of Matt Tees, as nominated by Alan R.
Sometimes you don’t have to make a plethora of appearances to quality for this series, some might say it is a case of quality over quantity.
Matt may have only made a mere 35 league appearances, spread over the period 1969-1971 scoring 13 goals but he left a lasting impression, especially on me during my formative years watching the Hatters.
Beginning his life as a machinest in a carpet factory, Matt made an impression playing in the local leagues in Scotland. His breakthrough came when Airdrie took a chance on him. Airdrie’s bold move paid dividends and Matt got his breakthrough in English football when Grimsby Town signed him.
After scoring 51 times in 131 league games, a move further south beckoned with Charlton Athletic signing Matt. At the Valley, Matt’s ability to put the ball in the net on a regular basis continued with the striker netting 32 times in 89 games.
In 1969, the Hatters boss, Alec Stock persuaded Matt to sign for Luton Town with a fee of £25,000.
Now while Matt was to only go on and make 35 league appearances for Luton Town, scoring 13 times, Stock knew that Matt’s skills and experience would benefit a young striker, converted from left-back, Malcolm MacDonald’s development.
But it should never be forgotten that Matt’s skills contributed massively to Luton Town achieving promotion from the old Division Three in 1970.
Matt was a superb header of the ball but, sadly, in his latter life, suffered from dementia, with a BBC documentary, some years ago, on the subject tying in his illness with the number of times he had headed the ball during his time with the Hatters.
His spell, at Kenilworth Road came to an end in 1971 with the striker joining Grimsby Town, for a second spell, he then moved on to play for Boston United.
Unfortunately, Matt passed away on 03-November-2020 having reached the ripe old age of 81.
Matt Tees – Mini Fact File
Name – Matthew Tees
Date of Birth – 13-October-1939
Place of Birth – Johnstone, Scotland
Position – Striker
Youth Career – Penilee Athletic, Cambuslang Rangers
Playing Career – Forfar Athletic, Airdrie, Grimsby Town, Charlton Athletic, Luton Town, Grimsby Town, Boston United, Greyhound
If you feel able to share any of your thoughts or memories on the Hatters career of Matt Tees, please feel free to do so in the comment facility beneath this article.
If you can think of anyone who deserves nominating for coverage in this ongoing series, please drop their name into the comment facility beneath this article.
My thanks go to those who have already nominated faces from the past, they will all be covered, in time.
Next up in the series will be Jimmy Husband as suggested by Mad Hatter.
COYH’s
Previous article by Mad Hatter
Luton Town – Looking At The Trotters Ahead Of Our Sunday Cup Tie
A great for me as you have said everything about him little I can add except loved the man.
he had the ability to hang in the air to head the ball.laurie sheffield was similar, but supermac blew them both out of the ball park. they all played there part on some great promotions. more great memories.COYH.