Matthew James Harrold (born 25 July 1984) is an English former professional footballer who played as a forward and is currently loans manager at AFC Bournemouth.

He is a former pupil of Trinity Catholic High School, Woodford Green, he was initially a product of Southend United's youth set-up, although he departed for non-league football and played at Grays Athletic, Wingate & Finchley and Harlow Town.

[5] Later that season he also scored crucial goals in the league against Colchester United and future club Wycombe Wanderers to help Brentford to safety.

Upon his return to Brentford he played as a substitute in their memorable 2–2 draw at Premier League side Southampton in the FA Cup fifth round.

Harrold joined Wycombe on 1 September 2008 on a free transfer on a two-year contract after being released by Southend.

In July 2010, Harrold was on trial at Swedish Superettan club Örgryte IS, before joining Shrewsbury Town.

On 14 April 2012, he added two more goals to his tally in 7–1 rout against Burton Albion, and another two in a 5–1 victory for Bristol Rovers at home to Accrington Stanley.

Harrold started the season with goals against Royal Marines, Tamworth, Paulton Rovers and Coventry City in pre-season friendly matches.

[23] On 15 September 2012 in a 4–0 loss against Gillingham, Harrold sustained a severe knee injury and was unlikely to feature in any more games in 2012–13 season for Bristol Rovers.

[24] However, Harrold made a substitute appearance in the final game of the season against Torquay, scoring in the last minute, to the delight of Rovers fans, players and staff.

[26] Harrold made his first appearance for the club on 30 August 2014, coming on as a 77th minute substitute for Gwion Edwards away at Milton Keynes Dons.

[28][29] In a 2–2 draw at home to Milton Keynes Dons on 10 January 2015, Harrold played 50 minutes in goal following Crawley goalkeeper Brian Jensen dislocating his finger.

[32] On 23 February 2015, Harrold joined League Two side Cambridge United on a loan until the end of the season.

[39][40] Following the sacking of Dermot Drummy in May 2017, Harold was placed in caretaker charge of Crawley for their final game of the season.

[46] He made his debut for the club 2 days later in a 4–1 home victory over Guiseley in which Harrold headed in the third for Orient with Macauley Bonne grabbing a hat-trick.

[47] In August 2020, Harrold joined the coaching staff at Leyton Orient, putting an end to his playing career.

[50] On 9 March 2022, the permanent appointment of Richie Wellens was announced with Harrold returning to his original role in the coaching set-up.