William Mathews (1882 – 29 April 1921), sometimes known as Billy Mathews or William Mathews,[1] was a Welsh professional footballer who played in non-League football for Chester and Rhyl as a half back.[1] He was capped by Wales twice, in 1905 versus Ireland and in 1908 versus England.[3]
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | William Mathews[1] | ||
| Date of birth | 1882 | ||
| Place of birth | Rhyl, Wales[1] | ||
| Date of death | 29 April 1921 (aged 37–38)[1] | ||
| Place of death | Christleton, England[2] | ||
| Position(s) | Half back | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| –1904 | Rhyl | ||
| 1904–1906 | Chester | ||
| 1906–1907 | Rhyl | ||
| 1907–1919 | Chester | ||
| International career | |||
| 1905–1908 | Wales | 2 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Personal life
Mathews was son of William and Elizabeth Mathews of Rhyl, Flintshire.[2] He was married to Annie and had two children.[1] Prior to becoming a professional footballer, he worked as a labourer and as an electric engine driver.[1] In 1915, during the second year of the First World War, he enlisted in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, but ultimately served as a Shoeing Smith with the Royal Field Artillery.[1][2] In 1921, Mathews died of heart disease related to his war service and was buried in Christleton near Chester.[1][2]
Honours
Chester
- The Combination: 1908–09[1][4]