Matthews began his career at West Ham United, signing his first professional deal with the club on 29 November 1982.
Matthews failed to break into the first team at West Ham, making 56 appearances for the reserves, scoring eleven times, over the course of four seasons.
[2] Following his time at West Ham, Matthews dropped into non-League football, signing for Basildon United.
Failing to make an appearance for Walsall, Matthews returned down south, signing for Southend United in March 1988.
Matthews later played for Purfleet, Billericay Town, East Thurrock United, Heybridge Swifts and Chelmsford City.