Matthew Blinkhorn

Matthew Blinkhorn

Lancashire born Matthew, signed for his hometown side, Blackpool, progressing through the ranks, and signing professional terms in June 2003. Matt featured in the Tangerine’s 2004 LDV Vans Trophy final 2-0 victory over Southend United. 

Mike Newell was keen on signing Matthew as he remembered him well from his time at Bloomfield Road, so Matt signed for the Hatters at the start of the 2004/05 season but could not displace Steve Howard or Rowan Vine, making his debut in the Carling Cup in a 4-3 loss to Boston United before making only two substitute appearances in the league against Hull and Bradford City, returning to Blackpool, and then being loaned to Bury and Morecambe. He impressed at Morecambe, scoring 8 goals in 12 games. Morecambe made the transfer permanent in June 2007 with a tribunal fee set at £15,000 and 25% of his next transfer fee. After two seasons, he was released by The Shrimps, and Matthew signed for Sligo Rovers and then had brief stints at York City, Hyde and AFC Fylde, before finishing his professional career at Lancaster City, where he took charge as caretaker manager after Phil Brown’s resignation. 

Matthew has since moved into youth coaching, having spent time with Fleetwood’s Youth Academy and then the Blackpool Youth Academy’s Head of Coaching.