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Mattie Pollock
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Mattie William Pollock (born 28 September 2001) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for EFL Championship club Watford. Mainly a centre-back, he can also be deployed as a right-back.
Key Information
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Pollock was the product of the youth academies of Middlesbrough and Leeds United before joining Grimsby Town's academy in 2018. He later signed full professional terms with Grimsby and went on to make 46 league appearances for the club before signing for Watford in 2021. He has since spent time on loan with Cheltenham Town.
Early life
[edit]Born in Redhill, Pollock was brought up in Middlesbrough, where he attended the Nunthorpe Academy.
Career
[edit]Pollock was a trainee with Leeds United up until under-15 level, where he was considered a midfielder.[3]
Grimsby Town
[edit]Pollock joined Grimsby Town on a scholarship in 2018 after being scouted playing as a defender for his father's team, Polton Allstars.[4] He was called up to the first-team bench by manager Michael Jolley for the first time in October 2018.[5] Pollock made his professional debut on 29 December, coming on as a 52nd-minute substitute for Martyn Woolford in a 2–1 win at Exeter City following a red card for centre-back Alex Whitmore.[6] He turned professional in February 2019 and upon signing a 2+1⁄2-year deal said that "my ultimate ambition is to be the best central defender in the world and play at the highest level I can".[3] Pollock was given his first start for the "Mariners" on 13 August 2019, in a 1–0 victory over Doncaster Rovers at Blundell Park.[7] He scored his first goal for Grimsby in a 1–1 draw with Carlisle United on 24 October 2020.[8]
Watford
[edit]On 27 May 2021, Pollock joined Watford on a five-year deal[9] for an initial fee of £250,000.[10]
On 30 August 2021, Pollock joined Cheltenham Town on loan for the 2021–22 season.[11] Pollock scored his first goal for Cheltenham in the FA Cup first round against Gillingham on 6 November 2021.[12] He also scored in the replay win on 16 November, earning Cheltenham a spot in the second round and praise from manager Michael Duff.[13]
Pollock made his Watford debut on 23 August 2022 in a 2–0 home defeat to MK Dons in the second round of the EFL Cup, and his full Championship debut on 19 October 2022 in a 3–0 away defeat to Millwall. He was loaned to Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen in January 2023.[14]
His first goal for Watford came in the 5-0 win over MK Dons in the EFL Cup in August 2024. In March 2025 he was in the EFL sky bet team of the week for both the championship and EFL team of the week. [15]
Personal life
[edit]He is the son of former Middlesbrough and Manchester City midfielder Jamie Pollock, and younger brother to professional footballer Ben Pollock.[3]
Career statistics
[edit]- As of match played 1 January 2026
| Club | Season | League | National cup[a] | League cup[b] | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Grimsby Town | 2018–19[16] | League Two | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2019–20[17] | League Two | 19 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3[c] | 0 | 27 | 0 | |
| 2020–21[18] | League Two | 25 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2[c] | 1 | 29 | 4 | |
| Total | 46 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 58 | 4 | ||
| Watford | 2022–23[19] | Championship | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| 2023–24[20] | Championship | 18 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 0 | |
| 2024–25[21] | Championship | 45 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 47 | 3 | |
| 2025–26[22] | Championship | 20 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 1 | |
| Total | 86 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 91 | 4 | ||
| Cheltenham Town (loan) | 2021–22[23] | League One | 34 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 39 | 3 |
| Aberdeen (loan) | 2022–23[19] | Scottish Premiership | 15 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 4 |
| Career total | 181 | 9 | 11 | 4 | 9 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 208 | 15 | ||
- ^ Includes Scottish Cup, FA Cup
- ^ Includes Scottish League Cup, EFL Cup
- ^ a b Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy
Honours46+
[edit]Individual
- Cheltenham Town Supporters' Young Player of the Season: 2021–22
References
[edit]- ^ "2021/22 Premier League squads confirmed". Premier League. 10 September 2021. Retrieved 12 September 2021.
- ^ a b "FootballSquads - Grimsby Town - 2018/2019". www.footballsquads.co.uk. Retrieved 21 August 2019.
- ^ a b c Westcott, Matt (2 March 2019). "Pollock aims to be the best after signing Grimsby deal". The Northern Echo. Retrieved 21 August 2019.
- ^ Smith, Adam (14 February 2019). "Mattie Pollock signs professional contract with Grimsby Town". www.gtfcacademy.com. Retrieved 21 August 2019.
- ^ "Freeview | Mattie Pollock: "It Was A Dream Come True!"". www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk. 16 October 2018. Archived from the original on 21 August 2019. Retrieved 21 August 2019.
- ^ "Exeter City vs Grimsby Town on 29 Dec 18 - Match Centre - Grimsby Town". www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk. 29 December 2018. Archived from the original on 21 August 2019. Retrieved 21 August 2019.
- ^ "Grimsby Town 1-0 Doncaster Rovers". BBC Sport. 13 August 2019. Retrieved 21 August 2019.
- ^ "Grimsby 1-1 Carlisle Orient". BBC Sport. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
- ^ "Official: Watford Sign Pollock". watfordfc.com. 27 May 2021. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
- ^ "Transfer Of Pollock To Watford Agreed". grimsby-townfc.co.uk. 27 May 2021. Retrieved 27 May 2021.[dead link]
- ^ "One in, one out and at least one more to come". 30 August 2021.
- ^ "Out-on-loan Watford man Mattie Pollock scores for Cheltenham". watfordobserver.co.uk. 10 November 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
- ^ "Watford defender Mattie Pollock praised for Cheltenham goal". watfordobserver.co.uk. 17 November 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
- ^ "Aberdeen: Barry Robson put in interim charge as Mattie Pollock arrives on loan from Watford". BBC Sport. 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ "Watford 5 - 0 MK Dons". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ "Games played by Mattie Pollock in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Mattie Pollock in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Mattie Pollock in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ^ a b "Games played by Mattie Pollock in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
- ^ "Games played by Mattie Pollock in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
- ^ "Games played by Mattie Pollock in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
- ^ "Games played by Mattie Pollock in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
- ^ "Games played by Mattie Pollock in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
Mattie Pollock
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Early life
Upbringing and family background
Mattie Pollock was born on 28 September 2001 in Redhill, Surrey, England.[3] Pollock was primarily brought up in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, following his family's relocation due to his father's professional football career.[5] He grew up on Teesside, attending Nunthorpe Academy in the area, which served as a key part of his early years.[5] His father, Jamie Pollock, a former professional midfielder who played for clubs including Middlesbrough and Manchester City, played a significant role in introducing him to football from a young age.[6] Mattie began playing as a central midfielder and was spotted by scouts while representing his father's Polton Allstars academy team in Middlesbrough, highlighting the direct influence of his family's involvement in the sport.[5] The family environment strongly emphasized football, with Jamie's career achievements serving as a key motivator for Mattie's ambitions.[7] He has an older brother, Ben Pollock, who also pursued a professional football career.[3]Education and early football influences
Pollock attended Nunthorpe Academy in Middlesbrough during his secondary school years, where he balanced academic studies with growing involvement in football.[5] His early passion for the sport was heavily influenced by his family's football heritage, as the son of former professional midfielder Jamie Pollock, who played for clubs including Middlesbrough and Manchester City, providing ongoing advice and support throughout his development.[5] This legacy, along with his older brother Ben's pursuit of a football career at Newcastle United's youth setup, motivated Pollock to participate in local youth teams and informal programs in the Middlesbrough area from a young age.[3][8] Initially a central midfielder in his youth, Pollock transitioned to a defensive role around age 16 following an injury that required him to rebuild fitness, honing his defensive skills through rigorous, self-motivated training sessions where he often arrived early and stayed late to work on positioning and tackling.[5][8] By his late teens, his physical attributes had developed significantly, reaching a height of 1.90 meters, which enhanced his aerial presence and overall commanding style as a centre-back.[3] After earlier stints in the youth systems of Middlesbrough and Leeds United from 2009 to 2016, where he progressed up to under-15 level before being released, Pollock had no formal academy affiliation until age 17, instead focusing on local club experiences with Polton Allstars—his father's team—from 2016 to 2018.[3][5] During the 2017–2018 transition period, Pollock's standout performances for Polton Allstars, including in a friendly against Grimsby Town's academy, drew scouting interest, aided by his family name and consistent displays, leading to his scholarship offer with Grimsby in the summer of 2018.[5]Club career
Grimsby Town
Mattie Pollock joined Grimsby's academy in the summer of 2018 as a first-year scholar at the age of 16, having been scouted during trials while playing for Polton Allstars, a non-league side coached by his father, former professional footballer Jamie Pollock.[9] This move marked his entry into a professional youth setup after earlier stints in the academies of Middlesbrough and Leeds United. Pollock quickly impressed in the under-18 and under-23 teams, contributing to the club's youth team's success in the EFL North East Youth Alliance that season.[10] In February 2019, Pollock signed his first professional contract with Grimsby Town, a two-and-a-half-year deal that kept him at the club until June 2021 with an option for an additional year.[10] His senior breakthrough came later that year, with his professional debut as a substitute in a 2–1 League Two victory away to Exeter City on 29 December 2019, entering in the 52nd minute after a teammate's red card.[9] Pollock's first start arrived earlier in the EFL Trophy on 13 August 2019 against Doncaster Rovers, helping secure a 1–0 win, and he went on to feature regularly, including captaining the side at age 17 in a September 2019 Trophy match versus Scunthorpe United.[11] During the 2020–21 League Two season, Pollock established himself as a key defender, making 25 league appearances and scoring three goals while contributing to four goals across all competitions.[12] He formed a solid partnership with Luke Waterfall, starting in pivotal matches such as the 2–1 home win over Crawley Town on 24 November 2020, where his physical presence helped secure the victory amid a challenging campaign for the Mariners.[13] Pollock's performances were instrumental in stabilizing Grimsby Town's defense during a season that saw the club finish 21st and suffer relegation to the National League, earning praise for his commanding 6 ft 3 in frame, aerial dominance, and ability to play out from the back.[14] His family background, with father Jamie's guidance at Polton Allstars, notably influenced Pollock's development as a composed, ball-playing centre-back. Pollock's form attracted interest from higher-tier clubs, leading to a transfer agreement with Watford on 27 May 2021 for an initial undisclosed fee reported as £250,000, with add-ons potentially increasing it further.[9] His final appearance for Grimsby came in the season-ending 3–0 defeat to Cambridge United on 8 May 2021, capping a tenure where he made over 50 senior outings and emerged as one of the club's brightest academy products.[15]Watford
Pollock joined Watford on a permanent transfer from Grimsby Town on 1 July 2021, signing a five-year contract for an initial fee of £250,000. His integration into the first team was gradual during the 2021–22 season, where he made limited appearances, including in the EFL Cup and a handful of Championship matches, as the club prioritized his development.[16] To gain regular playing time, Pollock was loaned to League One side Cheltenham Town from 30 August 2021 until the end of the 2021–22 season. During this period, he featured in 39 matches across all competitions, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists, with notable contributions including two goals in the FA Cup against Gillingham—a header in the 1–1 first-round draw on 6 November 2021 and the close-range winner in the 1–0 replay victory on 16 November 2021.[17][16] His performances, including 34 league appearances and 1 goal in League One, helped Cheltenham push for the playoffs, finishing seventh and securing a spot in the promotion race.[16] Upon returning to Watford in summer 2022, Pollock participated in pre-season and made brief first-team appearances in the early 2022–23 campaign, featuring in 3 Championship matches and cup ties before another loan move.[18] On 29 January 2023, he joined Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen on loan until the end of the season to gain top-flight experience.[19] At Aberdeen, he made 15 appearances in the league, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist, contributing to their title challenge as they finished third and entered the European spots.[18] This stint enhanced his aerial presence and defensive positioning in a competitive environment. Pollock returned permanently to Watford in summer 2023, marking a breakthrough in the 2023–24 Championship season with 18 appearances as a centre-back, helping solidify the defense during a 15th-place finish.[20] In the 2024–25 season, he established himself as a regular, playing 42 league matches and scoring 2 goals, playing a key role in Watford's 14th-place mid-table finish with improved passing accuracy above 80% and strong aerial duel success rates around 65%.[21] His Grimsby roots provided a solid foundation for this professional readiness at a higher level. As of November 2025, in the early stages of the 2025–26 Championship campaign, Pollock has made 10 appearances without scoring, delivering solid defensive performances with consistent starts and high tackle success rates. Following strong form, he signed a contract extension on 8 November 2024, committing to Watford until summer 2029, amid a market value rise to €1.5 million by May 2025.[22][23][3]Personal life
Family ties in professional football
Mattie Pollock's father, Jamie Pollock, enjoyed a notable career as a professional footballer, making over 300 appearances in the Football League across several clubs, including Middlesbrough, where he began his professional journey in 1991, Bolton Wanderers, Manchester City from 1998 to 2000, and Crystal Palace until his retirement in 2002. Known for his combative and tough-tackling approach in central midfield, Jamie earned three caps for England Under-21s and contributed to Middlesbrough's promotion to the Premier League in 1995.[24][25][6] Jamie has been a significant influence on Mattie's development, offering guidance on physical conditioning, mental resilience, and career decisions, particularly during Mattie's loan periods away from Watford. Mattie has publicly acknowledged this support, stating in a 2023 interview that his father "is a massive influence on me" and that having him "on my shoulder has been the biggest part of my career so far," highlighting Jamie's attendance at matches and role in decision-making from the outset. This paternal advice has shaped Mattie's approach to the demands of professional football, drawing from Jamie's own experiences in competitive environments.[26] Mattie's older brother, Ben Pollock, has pursued a career in non-league football, signing for clubs such as Billingham Synthonia, Dunston UTS, Hereford FC, and currently Spennymoor Town in the National League North, where he plays as a centre-back. While Ben's path has involved challenges like injuries and releases from higher academies including Middlesbrough, Newcastle United, and Hartlepool United, the brothers maintain a supportive family dynamic, with occasional attendance at each other's games fostering mutual encouragement.[27][7] No other immediate family members have reached elite levels in professional football, positioning the Pollock legacy as a motivational force rather than one of direct collaborative involvement. Mattie has referenced this familial football heritage in reflections around his 2021 move to Watford, crediting it for instilling a strong work ethic and perspective on the sport's rigors.Lifestyle and public persona
Since joining Watford in 2021, Mattie Pollock has balanced intensive training sessions at the club's facilities with family commitments. This has enabled him to prioritize time with his young son, as evidenced by his social media posts highlighting family moments amid a demanding professional schedule.[28] In a 2025 fans' Q&A session hosted by Watford FC, Pollock shared personal quirks and preferences, revealing a habit of biting his nails—described as trimming them with his teeth—particularly under pressure, and a fondness for ginger biscuits as his favorite snack.[29] He emphasized the rewards of fatherhood despite its challenges, noting the joy of seeing his son smile as a key motivator in his daily routine.[29] Pollock maintains an active presence on Instagram under the handle @mattiepollock5, where he has over 25,000 followers and shares glimpses of his off-field life, including family holidays and occasional matchday preparations.[28] A notable post from June 17, 2025, captured his son's first holiday, captioned "Little man's first holiday ☀️ ❤️," underscoring his family-oriented lifestyle.[30] His content often focuses on appreciative notes about games rather than personal promotion, reflecting a low-key approach to public engagement. Pollock has occasionally engaged in community initiatives through Watford FC, including visits to local charities such as New Hope's Haven.[31] As of 2025, he has no major commercial endorsements, keeping his public persona centered on his role as a professional footballer. In rare interviews, Pollock has expressed a grounded perspective on his career, emphasizing gratitude toward formative clubs like Grimsby Town for building his trust and experience early on.[32] This focus on performance over media attention aligns with his overall reserved demeanor, supported by family in navigating work-life balance.[29]Statistics and honours
Career statistics
Mattie Pollock's professional career statistics are summarized below, focusing on league appearances and goals unless otherwise noted. Data is compiled from reliable sources up to November 15, 2025, including the ongoing 2025–26 season.[4]League Statistics
| Season | Club | League/Division | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–19 | Grimsby Town | National League | 2 | 0 |
| 2019–20 | Grimsby Town | National League | 19 | 0 |
| 2020–21 | Grimsby Town | EFL League Two | 25 | 3 |
| 2021–22 | Cheltenham Town (loan) | EFL League One | 34 | 1 |
| 2022–23 | Aberdeen (loan) | Scottish Premiership | 15 | 2 |
| 2022–23 | Watford | EFL Championship | 3 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | Watford | EFL Championship | 18 | 0 |
| 2024–25 | Watford | EFL Championship | 45 | 2 |
| 2025–26* | Watford | EFL Championship | 10 | 0 |
Domestic Cup Statistics
Pollock has made additional appearances in domestic competitions, including the FA Cup, EFL Cup, and EFL Trophy. Notable contributions include two goals in the FA Cup for Cheltenham Town during the 2021–22 season, scored in qualifying rounds against non-league opponents. In total, he has 21 cup appearances across all clubs, with 4 goals. No senior international appearances.[2]| Competition | Club Appearances (Goals) |
|---|---|
| FA Cup | Grimsby: 3 (0); Cheltenham: 3 (2); Watford: 2 (0) |
| EFL Cup | Grimsby: 4 (0); Cheltenham: 1 (0); Watford: 2 (1) |
| EFL Trophy | Grimsby: 3 (1); Cheltenham: 1 (0) |