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Matty Fryatt
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Matthew Charles Fryatt (born 5 March 1986) is an English football coach and former professional footballer, who played as a striker.

Key Information

Fryatt holds the record for fastest goal ever scored by a Leicester City player when he scored after 9 seconds in a 2–1 defeat by Preston North End on 15 April 2006.[2] He broke two further records during his time at Leicester in the 2008–09 season: firstly, becoming the first player in 42 years to score 20 goals before Christmas, and secondly, being the first in 83 years to hit hat-tricks in successive matches.[3]

Club career

[edit]

Walsall

[edit]

Born in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, Fryatt rose through the ranks at youth level at Walsall.[1] He made his first team debut as a substitute in a 3–1 League Cup second round defeat to Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium on 24 September 2003, replacing Steve Corica after 67 minutes.[4] His first appearance in The Football League came on 14 October, starting in a 1–1 away draw against Watford in the First Division.[5]

On 18 December 2003, Fryatt moved to Third Division Carlisle United on loan for a month to gain vital first team experience.[6] He made his debut for the Cumbrians two days later, starting in a 2–0 win over Torquay United at Brunton Park, and scored his first professional goal on 3 January 2004, the winner as his team came from behind to win 2–1 against Boston United, heading in Brendan McGill's cross for the bottom-ranked club.[7] Twelve days later, Fryatt's loan was extended by another month,[8] and he returned to Walsall on 23 February after playing ten games.[9] On 20 March, he scored his first goal for the Saddlers, in the first two minutes of a 2–1 win at Preston North End, but the season ended with relegation to League One.

Fryatt began the 2004–05 season with a 12th-minute penalty to open a 3–2 win over West Midlands neighbours Port Vale on 7 August.[10] A week later he netted two – including another penalty – in a 5–3 loss at Oldham Athletic.[11] He scored 15 goals in 36 appearances across the season, including a hat-trick in a 4–3 win over Huddersfield Town on 29 January 2005, being assisted on the winner by player-manager Paul Merson.[12] On 12 March, he scored within seven seconds of the start of a home match against AFC Bournemouth, who won 2–1 nonetheless.[13] He also collected the goal of the season and the player of the season awards at Walsall at the end of the season.

Nottingham Forest made a £850,000 offer for him on 17 August 2005, which was rejected by Walsall because it was "derisory."[14] On 24 August, Merson believed Birmingham City and Sunderland would bid for Fryatt.[15] Despite signing a 12-month extension to his existing contract on 27 September, Fryatt was told by the club they would not block a transfer to a bigger club.[16] On 13 December 2005, Fryatt said he expected to be sold by the end of the 2005–06 season.[17] A concrete offer was made by Danish club Odense Boldklub, which was managed by Bruce Rioch, but Fryatt had no intention of moving to Denmark.[17] He scored 18 goals in his final season at Walsall.

Leicester City

[edit]

Fryatt signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Leicester City for an undisclosed fee on 9 January 2006, while Walsall would receive a share of the profit should he be sold in future.[18] He was handed the number 12 shirt, which he also wore at Walsall. He made his debut in a 2–1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday on 14 January, scoring his first goal in a 2–1 defeat to Cardiff City on 21 January. On 6 February 2006, Fryatt admitted he was a bit shocked when manager Craig Levein was sacked within 16 days of his arrival, after a run of poor results. Nonetheless, he still believed he made the right move from Walsall, even if Leicester suffer relegation.[19] He also pleaded to the board of directors to allow caretaker boss Rob Kelly to remain as manager until the end of the season.[20] Fryatt scored a total of six league goals, helping Leicester avoid relegation.[21] He ended their last home game of the season with a 1–0 win over Plymouth Argyle on 22 April.[22]

Fryatt was picked by the BBC as Leicester's key player for the 2006–07 season, remarking that he "has the attitude and talent to play in the Premiership".[23] However, he was plagued with injuries during that season,[24] suffering an ankle injury in October 2006 which sidelined him for over two weeks.[25] Fryatt was further frustrated by a foot problem during the second half of the season, forcing him to use an insole in his boots to take some pressure away from his ankle.[26] Despite playing 34 competitive games, he scored only four goals, one of them in a 4–3 FA Cup defeat by Fulham.[27] Fryatt nonetheless attracted interest from Wolves in July 2007, whose £2 million bid was turned down by then-manager Martin Allen because "the offer was nowhere near high enough."[28]

His form worsened in the 2007–08 season, scoring only two goals in 30 league games and receiving one red card as Leicester were relegated from the Championship.[29][30][31] One goal he did contribute however, gave Leicester a shock victory over Aston Villa in the League Cup on 26 September 2007.[32] He was even the transfer loan target of Nottingham Forest,[33] Leeds United[34] and Crewe Alexandra.[35]

2008–09 season

[edit]
Steve Howard and Matty Fryatt playing for Leicester City on 13 September 2008

Fryatt made a positive start to the 2008–09 season, scoring five goals in four league games, earning him a nomination for League One player of the month for August.[36] By November 2008, then-teammate Paul Dickov told Fryatt he thinks "he might have 20 goals by Christmas."[37] He went on to score 20 goals before Christmas, the first Leicester player since Derek Dougan 42 years earlier to do so.[3] On 29 November, he scored a hat-trick in a 3–2 FA Cup win over Dag & Red,[38] and another against Southend on 6 December.[39] In doing so he became the first Leicester player since Arthur Chandler 83 years earlier to hit hat-tricks in successive matches.[3] Fryatt said he was having the best season of his career with the club on 13 January 2009.[40]

Fryatt's superb form in the first half of the season attracted numerous transfer rumours in January 2009. Initially linked with a move to Crystal Palace,[41] he was also wanted by Derby County and Preston North End.[42] Paul Dickov felt Leicester should do everything possible to keep Fryatt,[43] while chairman Milan Mandarić was hopeful he would commit himself to the club.[44] Although Fryatt refused to comment on his future in November,[45] he signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal on 23 December 2008.[46]

He was awarded the League One player of the month for December on 13 January 2009,[47] and the League One player of the year on 29 March.[48] In February 2009, manager Nigel Pearson said he had total faith in Fryatt and no one, including fans should "doubt his ability."[49] Fryatt went on to score his 30th and 31st goals against Southend on 18 April to secure the club's promotion as champions.[50] He was named in the League One PFA Team of the Year together with teammates Jack Hobbs and Matt Oakley on 26 April 2009.[51] At Leicester's end of season awards evening, Fryatt was voted by his teammates as players' player of the season, however he lost out to Steve Howard in the player of the season award and also to Andy King who won the young player of the year award.[52] He ended the last game of the season by scoring his 32nd goal against Crewe on 2 May.[53] Fryatt was also joint top scorer in the FA Cup that season with four goals.

2009–10 season

[edit]
Fryatt on 23 January 2010, prior to the match in which he suffered a broken jaw.

The BBC Sport remarked on 6 August that Fryatt's "progress in the Championship could also be key to City's chances."[54] He was strongly linked with a move to Hull City that month, which manager Nigel Pearson denied, saying he's "a very important member of our squad and we want to keep hold of our best players."[55] Fryatt missed much of pre-season due to a hernia operation and leg infection.[56] Nonetheless, he scored three goals in the opening five games of the 2009–10 season, equalling his tally during the club's doomed Championship campaign two seasons ago.[57] Fryatt also helped Leicester to their first league win over Blackpool in 43 years on 12 September, scoring a match-winning double.[58]

On 6 February 2010, Fryatt assisted Dyer's goal against Blackpool in a 2–1 win, helping Leicester to their first away victory at Bloomfield Road in 73 years.[59] On 9 February however, he suffered a broken jaw after colliding with Brian Stock in a 0–0 draw against Doncaster Rovers,[60] and was taken to a hospital in an ambulance.[61] Ruled out for eight weeks,[62] he had undergone surgery at Leicester Royal Infirmary, spending the night there before being transferred to a private hospital.[63] He returned to action as a second-half substitute in a 2–0 win over Middlesbrough on 2 May 2010.[64] He scored his last goal of the season against Cardiff City on 12 May, while Leicester lost the Championship play-off semi-final 4–3 on penalties.[65] Fryatt finished the season as top goalscorer, just ahead of Martyn Waghorn with 13 goals.

Hull City

[edit]

2010–11

[edit]
Fryatt playing for Hull City against QPR in 2011

He entered contract negotiations with Hull City in December 2010.[66] It was reported in the national media on 30 December 2010 that a £1.2–million deal had been agreed for Fryatt to move to the KC Stadium, but that the deal would not be completed before Leicester City played Hull City on 1 January 2011. The £1.2 million deal was confirmed on Hull City's official website prior to the Leicester game.[67] Fryatt made his debut as a substitute against Portsmouth on 3 January 2011.[68] He scored on his debut coming off the bench to give the Tigers the lead. On 15 January, he scored his second goal, a penalty, in the 2–0 win over Barnsley at the KC Stadium.[69] On 5 February 2011, in the Humber derby against Scunthorpe United, Fryatt scored a hat-trick, his first for Hull and the third of his career.[70] On his 25th Birthday, Fryatt scored his 100th career league goal and his 7th since joining the club in the 1–0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.[71] On 16 April, he scored a brace against Doncaster Rovers at the KC Stadium.

2011–12

[edit]

He scored his first goal of the 2011–12 season against Ipswich Town at Portman Road on 13 August 2011, resulting in a 1–0 win.[72] On 1 October 2011 against Cardiff City at the KC Stadium, Fryatt exchanged passes with Martin Pusic down the left before carrying the ball into the box, dropping his shoulder to get past a defender and finishing low past David Marshall at the near post.[73] On 22 October 2011 against Watford at the KC Stadium, an error in the Watford box left the ball loose for Fryatt to fire home from close range.[74] On 1 November 2011 against Barnsley at the Oakwell Stadium, Dele Adebola chested the ball down nicely into the path of Fryatt and the striker fired home into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.[75] On 19 November 2011, against Derby County at Pride Park, Liam Rosenior advanced from right back all the way to the edge of the Derby box before feeding Matty Fryatt. He had beaten the offside trap and finished confidently past Frank Fielding.[76] On 26 November 2011, against Burnley at the KC Stadium, Cameron Stewart received the ball tight to the left touchline, beat Kieran Trippier for skill and pace before crossing low for Matty Fryatt to finish from close range at the near post. A break-away started by Paul McKenna, passed through Robert Koren and fed to Fryatt resulted in the striker blasting home his second goal of the game, although Grant in the Burnley goal will surely have been disappointed with his attempts to keep the shot out.[77] On 3 December 2011, against Leicester City at the KC Stadium, Cameron Stewart's persistence allowed him to poke a ball through to Aaron Mclean and although he should have got his shot away sooner, it didn't matter as he was brought down by Leicester captain Matt Mills. The referee pointed to the spot and the defender was promptly sent off. Fryatt stepped up to take the penalty and confidently beat Kasper Schmeichel.[78] On 17 April 2012, Fryatt got his second hat-trick for the Tigers in the 3–1 home victory over Barnsley, the fourth in his overall career.[79]

2012–13

[edit]

During Hull's opening fixture in the League Cup against Rotherham United, Fryatt picked up a serious Achilles injury. A series of injections were used to try and speed up the healing process, but these proved unsuccessful. It was later confirmed that Fryatt's season was over and he was looking to be fit for the following pre-season. On 21 March, Hull City manager Steve Bruce told the Hull Daily Mail that Fryatt could make a return to action in the middle of April, just in time for the final games of the season. He made his return on 13 April coming on as a substitute in the 89th minute against Ipswich Town. Hull City won the game 2–1.[80] Fryatt made another cameo appearance in the following game at Molineux, before starting the next two games.

Loan to Sheffield Wednesday

[edit]
Fryatt (furthest left wearing stripes) on the last day of the 2013–14 Premier League season, facing Everton. Less than a month later, he would sign for Nottingham Forest.

On 27 September 2013, Fryatt joined Sheffield Wednesday on a 28-day emergency loan.[81] Fryatt's first goal for the Owls came at Brighton & Hove Albion, when he took a right-footed shot from the centre of the box to beat Tomasz Kuszczak. Fryatt's second goal was an equalising volley in the 1–1 draw at Barnsley, his fifth and final appearance during his loan. On 29 October, Fryatt's loan was extended for a second month until 30 November.[82] Fryatt celebrated his loan extension with a brace at home to Reading on 2 November.

2013–14 season

[edit]

On 28 December 2013, Fryatt scored his first Premier League goal, in a 6–0 home win against Fulham.[83]

On 13 April 2014, he scored Hull's second goal in their 5–3 FA Cup semi-final win against Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium.[84] On 17 May 2014, he started in the 2014 FA Cup Final against Arsenal.[85]

Nottingham Forest

[edit]

On 9 June 2014, Fryatt signed for Nottingham Forest on a three-year deal.[86] Fryatt scored his first goal in the club's third game against Bournemouth on 19 August 2014.[87]

Fryatt was released by Forest at the end of the 2016–17 season, having not played a game for the club for over two years due to injury.[88]

Fryatt retired from football on 8 February 2018, due to a long-standing Achilles injury.[89] In June 2020, it was announced that Fryatt was suing Nottingham Forest, claiming that his career was ended prematurely due to negligence by the club in treating his injury.[90]

In December 2020, Nottingham Forest Football Club confirmed that the legal claim brought by Fryatt and his solicitor, Barrington Atkins, had been amicably settled.

International career

[edit]

Fryatt made his debut for the England U19 team on 9 September 2004 against Republic of Ireland, coming on as a half-time substitute and assisting a goal in a 2–0 win.[91] He went on to star in the 2005 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship, scoring four goals in five games, including a hat-trick against Serbia and Montenegro.[92]

Coaching career

[edit]

Fryatt is currently[when?] coaching the U15 team at Walsall.[93]

Career statistics

[edit]
Fryatt playing for Hull in 2011
As of 9 May 2016[94]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Season Club League FA Cup League Cup Other[a] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Walsall 2003–04 First Division 11 1 0 0 1 0 — 12 1
2004–05 League One 36 15 1 0 0 0 2 0 39 15
2005–06 League One 23 11 2 2 0 0 2 1 27 14
Total 70 27 3 2 1 0 4 1 78 30
Carlisle United (loan) 2003–04 Third Division 10 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 1
Leicester City 2005–06 Championship 19 6 0 0 0 0 — 19 6
2006–07 Championship 32 3 2 1 0 0 — 34 4
2007–08 Championship 30 2 1 0 4 1 — 35 3
2008–09 League One 46 27 2 4 1 0 3 1 52 32
2009–10 Championship 29 11 2 0 2 1 2 1 35 13
2010–11 Championship 12 2 0 0 2 2 — 14 4
Total 168 51 7 5 9 4 5 2 189 62
Hull City 2010–11 Championship 22 9 1 0 0 0 — 23 9
2011–12 Championship 46 16 1 0 1 0 — 48 16
2012–13 Championship 4 0 0 0 1 0 — 5 0
2013–14 Premier League 10 2 6 4 2 0 — 18 6
Total 82 27 8 4 4 0 — 94 31
Sheffield Wednesday (loan) 2013–14 Championship 9 4 0 0 0 0 — 9 4
Nottingham Forest 2014–15 Championship 25 6 0 0 1 0 — 26 6
2015–16 Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2016–17 Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
Total 25 6 0 0 1 0 — 26 6
Career total 364 114 18 11 15 4 9 3 406 134

Honours

[edit]

Leicester City

Hull City

Individual

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Matty Fryatt

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Matthew Charles Fryatt (born 5 March 1986) is an English football coach and former professional footballer who played as a striker, primarily in the English Football League, amassing 364 domestic league appearances and 116 goals across clubs including Walsall, Leicester City, Hull City, and Nottingham Forest. Fryatt began his career in the youth system at Walsall, making his senior debut in 2003 before a loan spell at Carlisle United in the 2003–2004 season, where he scored two goals in 10 appearances. He joined Leicester City in January 2006 for an initial fee of £350,000, rising to £750,000, and enjoyed his most prolific season in 2008–09, scoring 27 goals in League One to help secure promotion as champions and earning the division's Player of the Year award. In 2010, he transferred to Hull City for £1.2 million, where he netted 16 goals in the 2011–12 Championship season and featured in the 2014 FA Cup final during their Premier League stint, making 10 top-flight appearances and scoring twice overall. A brief loan to Sheffield Wednesday in 2013 preceded his move to Nottingham Forest in 2014, but recurring Achilles tendon injuries sidelined him from 2015 onward, leading to his retirement at age 31 in February 2018 after a three-year absence. Since retiring, Fryatt has pursued coaching qualifications, including his A Licence, and returned to as under-15s coach in 2018 while also undertaking media work. In June 2025, he was appointed Chairman of the Former Players’ Association. He has reflected on his career as a mix of highs, such as his promotion, and challenges, including the injury that curtailed his playing days, but expressed satisfaction in transitioning to coaching at his formative club.

Club career

Walsall (2003–2006)

Fryatt joined as a in 2003 at the age of 17, progressing through the club's after being released by Aston Villa as a schoolboy. In December 2003, he was sent on a two-month to League Two side Carlisle United to gain senior experience, where he made 10 appearances and scored 1 goal. Fryatt made his senior debut for in September 2003 during a tie against United. He established himself in the first team during the 2004–05 League One season, scoring 15 goals in 36 league appearances. The following 2005–06 campaign marked his breakthrough at the club, with Fryatt netting 11 goals in 23 league outings before his departure, including 14 goals overall by the January that highlighted his growing reputation as a prolific striker. Over his time at Walsall, Fryatt made 70 appearances and scored 27 goals across all competitions. In January 2006, he transferred to side Leicester City for a fee of £350,000, setting a club record for an outgoing youth product.

Leicester City (2006–2011)

Fryatt signed for Leicester City from on 9 January 2006 for an initial fee of £350,000, agreeing to a three-and-a-half-year contract. In the second half of the 2005–06 season, he made 19 league appearances and scored 6 goals, contributing to the team's survival in the division despite initial adaptation challenges. One highlight was scoring the fastest league goal in club history after just 9 seconds in a 2–1 home defeat to Preston North End on 15 April 2006. The 2006–07 season saw Leicester relegated to League One after finishing 22nd in the Championship, with Fryatt recording 3 league goals in 32 appearances amid the team's struggles. In 2007–08, now in League One, he managed 2 league goals in 30 appearances as Leicester finished sixth and reached the playoff final, where they lost 4–3 on penalties to Peterborough United after a 0–0 draw. Fryatt's form exploded in 2008–09, when he netted a club-record 27 league goals in 46 appearances—the most by a Leicester player in a third-tier season—propelling the team to the League One title and promotion to the Championship. He became the first Leicester forward in 42 years to score 20 goals before Christmas and finished the campaign with 32 goals across all competitions. Fryatt's momentum carried into the 2009–10 Championship season, where he scored 11 league goals in 29 appearances before suffering a fractured in 2010 that sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign. In his final half-season of 2010–11, he added 2 league goals in 12 appearances. Over his five-and-a-half years at , Fryatt made 168 league appearances and scored 51 goals, establishing himself as a fan favorite for his prolific scoring during the club's return to the . He departed for Hull on 1 January 2011 in a £1.2 million transfer as his contract neared its end.

Hull City (2011–2014)

Matty Fryatt joined Hull City from Leicester City on 1 January 2011 for an initial fee of £1.2 million, potentially rising to £1.6 million in add-ons, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract under manager , with whom he had previously worked. In the 2011–12 season, Fryatt established himself as a key attacker, making 46 league appearances and scoring 16 goals, including a in a 3–1 win over , which played a significant role in Hull's fight for survival as they finished 19th. The following 2012–13 season saw Fryatt's involvement curtailed by an injury sustained early on, sidelining him for eight months; he returned in , featuring in five league matches without scoring, but remained part of the squad that secured promotion to the through the play-offs, defeating Sheffield Wednesday in the semi-finals and Watford 1–0 in the final at . Fryatt joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan in September 2013, scoring four goals in nine appearances. Upon returning, he adapted to the in 2013–14, recording two goals in 10 appearances amid Hull's mid-table finish. He also contributed three goals across four ties during the club's run to the final, starting in the 3–2 extra-time defeat to on 17 May 2014 at . Over his Hull tenure, Fryatt made 94 appearances and scored 31 goals in all competitions. His contract expired at the end of the 2013–14 season, leading to his release as a in the summer of 2014.

Sheffield Wednesday loan (2013)

In October 2013, Hull City striker Matty Fryatt joined Sheffield Wednesday on a one-month emergency loan to regain match fitness following an that had sidelined him for most of the previous season. The move, sanctioned by Hull manager , aimed to provide Fryatt with regular playing time amid limited opportunities at his parent club, which was preparing for its return to the . Sheffield Wednesday, struggling at the foot of the table without a league win in their first seven games, sought attacking reinforcements to bolster their survival bid. Fryatt made his debut as a substitute in a 1-0 home defeat to Rovers on 28 September 2013, before starting and scoring his first goal for the club in a 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion on 1 October. He added to his tally with a goal in a 3-0 victory over on 26 October, followed by a brace in a 5-2 home win against Reading on 2 , which marked Wednesday's first league victory of the and lifted them out of the relegation zone. Over nine appearances (seven starts), Fryatt contributed four goals, providing a vital attacking spark during a perilous run for the . The loan was extended by another month until the end of November, allowing Fryatt to continue building sharpness. His contributions helped Sheffield Wednesday stabilize, as they ultimately finished 16th and avoided relegation with a nine-point buffer. Upon returning to Hull in early , Fryatt credited the stint with restoring his confidence and physical condition ahead of the campaign.

Nottingham Forest (2014–2018)

Fryatt joined Nottingham Forest on a free transfer from Hull City on 9 June 2014, signing a three-year contract ahead of the 2014–15 season. He made an immediate impact, scoring six goals in 25 league appearances during his debut campaign, including a brace in a 2–2 draw against Derby County on 20 December 2014. His progress was halted by a severe sustained during a match against on 3 March 2015, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season and required multiple surgeries. Recovery efforts dominated the subsequent years, limiting Fryatt to no competitive appearances in the 2015–16 or 2016–17 seasons despite ongoing rehabilitation. Over his time at Forest, he recorded a total of 25 league appearances and six goals, all from his initial season. Fryatt's contract expired at the end of the 2016–17 season, after which he was released by the club. Persistent complications from the Achilles ultimately forced his retirement, which he announced on 8 2018 at the age of 31, stating that further recovery was impossible. In 2020, Fryatt initiated legal proceedings against Nottingham Forest, alleging in the management of his , which was settled out of in December 2020 with Fryatt receiving a six-figure sum.

International career

England U19 selection (2004–2005)

Fryatt earned his first call-up to the England under-19 team in 2004 while progressing through the Walsall academy and beginning to feature in the club's first team. His inclusion in the squad was driven by his emerging goalscoring form in domestic League One matches for Walsall, where he netted several times early in the 2004–05 season. He made his international debut on 9 September 2004 in a friendly against the Republic of Ireland at Turner's Cross, Cork, entering as a half-time substitute and providing an assist for the second goal in England's 2–0 victory. Fryatt then started as the primary striker in the subsequent 1–1 friendly draw with the Czech Republic on 6 October 2004 at Carrow Road, Norwich. Fryatt was part of the squad for the elite qualifying round in March 2005 against , , and , which secured qualification for the finals, though he did not feature in those matches. Across the 2004–05 season's friendlies, he accumulated 3 caps with no goals, often partnering with promising talents like winger in the forward line. This period of selection and involvement established Fryatt as a key attacking option ahead of the finals tournament. , as a seeded team, had received a bye in the preliminary round.

2005 UEFA European Under-19 Championship

Matty Fryatt was included in England's squad for the 2005 , hosted in from 18 to 29 July, following his earlier call-ups to the U19 team. The 19-year-old forward from featured prominently as England topped after drawing 1–1 with , drawing 1–1 with , and defeating 3–2 in the decisive group match. Fryatt scored England's goal in the opener against , finishing a through-ball from Grant Leadbitter past in the 9th minute. Fryatt made five appearances across the tournament, scoring four goals in total and finishing as joint-second top scorer. His standout performance came in the semi-final against at Mourneview Park, , where he netted a in a 3–1 , opening the scoring in the 18th minute, adding a second ten minutes from time off a rebound, and sealing the win in added time. The Walsall striker's tireless work rate and clinical finishing were praised for driving forward and securing their place in the final. England faced again in the final at , , but lost 1–3 despite Leon Holmes giving them a first-half lead; Fryatt started but was substituted late in the match. The tournament represented the peak of Fryatt's international youth career, as he received no further call-ups to higher England age groups or the senior team.

Post-playing career

Coaching roles

Following his retirement from professional football in February 2018 due to a chronic Achilles , Matty Fryatt returned to his boyhood club as a part-time coach for the under-15 team later that year. In this role, he emphasized mentoring young players, particularly forwards, by sharing insights from his own career as a prolific striker who scored 131 goals across various leagues and competitions. Fryatt focused on teaching technical aspects such as the timing of runs and off-ball movements, drawing directly from his playing experiences at clubs like Leicester City and Hull City to help develop the next generation of talent for Walsall's academy. The part-time arrangement accommodated his ongoing recovery from injury, allowing him to contribute without full physical demands, while he pursued coaching qualifications including his A-Licence. Fryatt served in this youth coaching capacity at from 2018 until July 2020.

Administrative and other activities

In June 2020, Fryatt filed a against Forest, alleging that the club was negligent in treating an Achilles injury he sustained during the 2014–15 season, which contributed to the premature end of his professional playing career. The case was resolved through an amicable settlement in December 2020. After leaving his coaching role, Fryatt worked as a part-time scout for Cardiff City until at least 2021 and has since engaged in media work, including co-commentary for and , as well as appearing on Leicester City podcasts in 2025. Fryatt returned to in June 2025 as of the club's newly launched Former Players Association. In this administrative role, he supports the welfare of former players, facilitates networking opportunities among alumni, and organizes events to preserve and promote the club's legacy. During an 2025 feature interview with , Fryatt described his involvement as a "full circle" moment in his , expressing enthusiasm for giving back to the club where he began his professional journey. As of 2025, Fryatt has not pursued any additional professional engagements in playing or coaching beyond his established post-retirement roles.

Career statistics

Club appearances and goals

Matty Fryatt's senior club career, spanning from 2003 to 2015, encompassed 408 appearances and 135 goals across all competitions, with the majority in English league and cup matches. His statistics reflect a prolific start at Walsall in League One, a peak scoring period at Leicester City including promotion from League One, and contributions in the Championship and Premier League with Hull City, before injuries curtailed his later years at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest. The breakdown by club is as follows: 78 appearances and 30 goals for (2002–2006); 10 appearances and 1 goal for Carlisle United (2003–04, ); 196 appearances and 63 goals for Leicester City (2006–2011); 94 appearances and 31 goals for Hull City (2011–2014); 9 appearances and 4 goals for Sheffield Wednesday (2013, ); and 26 appearances and 6 goals for (2014–2015).
SeasonClubLeague (Division)Apps (Goals)National Cups (Apps/Goals)Total AppsTotal Goals
2003–04Carlisle United ()League Two10 (1)0 (0)101
2003–04League One11 (1)1 (0)121
2004–05League One36 (15)3 (2)3917
2005–06League One23 (11)4 (1)2712
2005–06Leicester City19 (6)5 (3)249
2006–07Leicester City32 (3)6 (2)385
2007–08Leicester City30 (2)5 (2)354
2008–09Leicester CityLeague One46 (27)3 (1)4928
2009–10Leicester City29 (11)4 (2)3313
2010–11Leicester City12 (2)5 (2)174
2010–11Hull City22 (9)2 (1)2410
2011–12Hull City46 (16)6 (2)5218
2012–13Hull City4 (0)2 (1)61
2013–14Hull City10 (2)2 (0)122
2013–14Sheffield Wednesday ()9 (4)0 (0)94
2014–15 25 (6)1 (0)266
Total364 (116)44 (19)408135
Fryatt's 2009–10 season at Leicester City was notably impacted by a broken injury sustained in February 2010, which sidelined him for approximately three months and limited his appearances despite a strong start to the campaign. His 2014–15 season at Nottingham Forest was severely curtailed by a persistent Achilles from March 2015 onward, after which he did not play competitively, leading to his retirement in 2018.

International appearances and goals

Fryatt earned six caps for the England under-19 team between 2004 and 2005, scoring four goals in total, with no senior international appearances. His international debut came as a substitute in a friendly against the Republic of Ireland on 9 September 2004, where he provided an assist, though this appearance is not always included in some statistical records. He featured in one additional friendly and all five matches at the 2005 UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals in Northern Ireland, where England reached the final but lost 3–1 to France. Fryatt's goals came exclusively during the finals, including the opener in a 1–1 group stage draw with France and a hat-trick in the 3–1 semi-final victory over Serbia and Montenegro. The following table lists Fryatt's international appearances, including opponents, dates, results, competitions, and goals scored:
DateOpponentResultCompetitionGoals
6 October 20041–1Friendly0
18 July 20051–11
20 July 20051–10
23 July 20053–20
26 July 2005 & Montenegro3–13
29 July 20051–30

Honours

Individual awards

During his time at in the 2004–05 season, Fryatt was named the club's Player of the Year and won the Goal of the Season award. During his time at Leicester City in the 2008–09 season, Matty Fryatt emerged as one of the most prolific forwards in , earning multiple individual accolades for his goal-scoring prowess that played a key role in the team's promotion campaign. Fryatt won the League One Golden Boot as the division's top scorer, netting 27 goals in 46 league appearances, and was awarded the Football League One Player of the Year. His clinical finishing and consistency were recognized by his peers, leading to selection in the PFA League One Team of the Year alongside Leicester teammates Jack Hobbs and Matt Oakley. At the club's end-of-season awards, Fryatt was voted the Players' Player of the Season by his teammates, highlighting his impact within the squad despite claiming the overall Player of the Year honor. Earlier in his with during the 2005–06 League One season, Fryatt demonstrated his potential but did not receive major individual honors at that stage. Fryatt's playing did not yield any individual awards in the or at senior international level.

Team achievements

During his tenure at Leicester City, Matty Fryatt was instrumental in the club's promotion from League One to the as champions in the 2008–09 season, scoring twice in a 2–0 victory over Southend United that sealed the title on 18 2009. His 31 goals across all competitions that season marked the highest tally by a Leicester player in over five decades and underscored the team's dominant campaign under manager . Fryatt joined Hull City in January 2011 and, despite suffering an Achilles injury that sidelined him for much of the 2012–13 season, remained part of the squad that secured promotion to the by winning the play-offs. Hull finished third in the regular season before defeating in the semi-finals and Sheffield Wednesday 1–0 in the final at on 25 May , with Fryatt having returned to action in April after eight months out. The following season, Fryatt contributed significantly to Hull's run to the , where they finished as runners-up after a 3–2 defeat to at on 17 May 2014. He scored a crucial equalizer in the 5–3 semi-final victory over Sheffield United on 13 April 2014, helping the team overcome a deficit, and netted in earlier rounds including a brace against Southend United and the winner against . Throughout his career, Fryatt's teams achieved multiple divisional promotions but no major trophies, highlighting his role in steady ascents through the English football rather than silverware conquests.

References

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  2. https://www.transfermarkt.us/matty-fryatt/profil/spieler/14013
  3. https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe17657/matty-fryatt/
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  5. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/08/matty-fryatt-retires-nottingham-forest-hull-achilles-injury
  6. https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/football-news/former-nottingham-forest-striker-matty-1785852
  7. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11490026/matty-fryatt-interview-restarting-at-walsall-after-injury-nightmare
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  9. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/02/08/matty-fryatt-finally-finds-closure-injury-ends-playing-career/
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  50. https://www.uefa.com/under19/match/81509--england-vs-france/
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  52. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11727/12004085/matty-fryatt-suing-nottingham-forest-after-claiming-club-mismanaged-injury-which-ended-career
  53. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9313937/Matty-Fryatt-reveals-took-Nottingham-Forest-court-Achilles-injury.html
  54. https://www.oportosports.com/matty-fryatt-set-for-sky-sports-co-comms-appearance/
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  65. https://www.thefa.com/news/2014/may/17/arsenal-v-hull-city-fa-cup-final-2014-match-report
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  68. https://www.thefa.com/news/2014/mar/09/hull-city-sunderland-report
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