Football: Luke Matheson signs three year contract with Rochdale AFC

Luke Matheson

Rochdale Football Club has announced today (Thursday 31 October) that Luke Matheson has signed a three-year professional contract with the club.

It is Matheson’s first professional contract, following his 17th birthday earlier this month.

After putting pen to paper, the full-back said: “It honestly is a dream come true. I’ve played football all my life and I can’t remember not having a ball at my feet, so I can’t put into words how happy I am to finally be a professional footballer.

“It’s every little boy’s dream, and I’m so lucky and thankful for the opportunities that Rochdale have given me in the time I’ve been here.

“It’s the only club I’ve ever been at. They scouted me when I was nine years old and they’re still giving me opportunities when I’m 17 years old. I can’t thank the club enough, they’ve been amazing.”

Chief Executive David Bottomley said: “We’re delighted that, so soon after his 17th birthday, Luke has committed himself to Rochdale Football Club by signing a three-year deal.

“We all recognise the special talent that Luke is and what he has achieved already, and trust that he enjoys continued success as a player at Rochdale.

“We would like to pay special thanks to Luke and his family for being part of the Dale, and also to the coaching staff from the academy and first team, who have worked so hard to nurture his talent to ensure he has reached today’s signing of a professional contract.”

Matheson has been with the club’s academy since under 9 level, going on to make his senior debut at the age of just 15 years and 336 days in an EFL Trophy tie against Bury in September 2018, in which he was named man of the match.

After making his EFL debut as a substitute against Fleetwood Town in January, he was called up to the England Under 17 squad in February, making his international debut in a 3-2 win over France.

The youngster then made his first EFL start against Sunderland in August, in the same week he picked up his GCSE results, before scoring a memorable equaliser against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup third round in September.

This October, he represented England at under 18 level, with two wins in two appearances against Poland and Slovakia.