Broughton, Matthew – King’s lad played for Forest

Matthew Broughton (1880-1957)

Born in October 1880 in Grantham, Matthew Broughton  was a King’s School student.

He was the cousin of John Jarvis Broughton, who went on to give his initials (JJB)to a well-known sports chain.

He began his football career at either Grantham Rovers or Avenue, before having a successful career at Nottingham Forest, Notts County and Watford, finishing with six goals in his 29 Football League appearances.

Matthew then returned to his home town to start employment at Ruston & Hornsby’s, allowing him to continue football with Grantham FC and cricket with the local club.

He scored in his first friendly against Stathern Olympic and almost certainly played many more games than those noted, due to a lack of available records.

Matthew probably also scored more goals than are known about, for the same reason, although we do have evidence of five goals scored in the Midland Amateur Alliance match against Derby YMCA in February 1906.

Like his sibling, it is not known as to the precise time when his footballing career concluded, although the following entry should be noted.

Died in January 1957 at Grantham.

Compiled with assistance of Jon Barnes