Matt Harrold: A Comprehensive Look at His Professional Playing Career
Matt Harrold is a seasoned English forward whose career spanned several tiers of the English football league system. From his early days in non-league football to becoming a leading scorer in the professional ranks, Harrold's journey is marked by clinical finishing, resilience through injury, and a few unexpected moments of versatility on the pitch.
Early Career and Breakthrough at Brentford
A former pupil of Trinity Catholic High School in Woodford Green, Harrold began his development within the youth system at Southend United. However, his path to professional football was not linear; he initially moved into non-league football, gaining valuable experience with Grays Athletic, Wingate & Finchley, and Harlow Town.
His potential caught the eye of Brentford, who signed him from Harlow Town in July 2003. Harrold made an immediate impact during the 2003–04 season, etching his name into the club's history by becoming the youngest Brentford player ever to score a hat-trick, achieved against non-league Gainsborough Trinity in the FA Cup. He further proved his worth by scoring vital league goals against Colchester United and Wycombe Wanderers, helping the club secure their safety for the season.
The 2004–05 season saw Harrold seek more playing time through loans. He spent time at Dagenham & Redbridge in the Conference and Grimsby Town, scoring on his debut for both clubs. Despite these stints, he returned to Brentford to support their promotion push, though the club ultimately fell in the playoff semifinals to Sheffield Wednesday.
Establishing a Presence: Yeovil Town and Southend United
In 2005, Harrold moved to Yeovil Town for an undisclosed small fee under manager Gary Johnson. During his only full season at the club, he netted nine league goals, with standout performances including a brace against Scunthorpe United and a goal against his former side, Brentford.
His return to Southend United in August 2006 followed a prolonged transfer saga, with the deal finalized just one hour before the deadline. While he scored his first goal for the club against West Bromwich Albion on September 16, 2006, his time there was relatively quiet, totaling only five additional goals over the next two seasons.
The Wycombe Wanderers Years
Harrold joined Wycombe Wanderers on a free transfer on September 1, 2008, signing a two-year contract. His first season (2008–09) was highly productive. After scoring his first goal against Bournemouth in October, he recorded a hat-trick in an FA Cup first-round match against AFC Wimbledon.
Throughout the remainder of that season, Harrold was a consistent threat, scoring braces against Port Vale and securing match-winning goals against Shrewsbury and Accrington Stanley. In the 2009–10 season, he continued to find the net against Southend and Norwich City, though he was released in May 2010 following the club's relegation to League Two.
Peak Performance at Bristol Rovers
After a brief trial with Swedish side Örgryte IS and a short stint at Shrewsbury Town, Harrold signed a two-year deal with Bristol Rovers in June 2011. This period proved to be one of the most successful of his career. In his debut season, he scored 18 goals, finishing as the club's leading scorer. Notable performances included a brace against Plymouth Argyle and multiple goals in routs against Burton Albion and Accrington Stanley.
However, the 2012–13 season was marred by a severe knee injury sustained on September 15, 2012, during a match against Gillingham. Despite missing nearly the entire campaign, Harrold made a dramatic return as a substitute in the final game of the season against Torquay, scoring a last-minute goal.
Later Career: Crawley Town and Leyton Orient
In June 2014, Harrold joined League One side Crawley Town. While his goal-scoring rate slowed, he became a fan favorite for an unusual reason. On January 10, 2015, after goalkeeper Brian Jensen suffered a dislocated finger, Harrold stepped into goal for 50 minutes. Despite having no prior experience in the position, he earned the Man of the Match award.
His tenure at Crawley was plagued by injuries, including a knee injury in 2016 and two separate Achilles tendon injuries in late 2016. Despite these setbacks, he remained a respected figure, even serving as the caretaker manager for the final game of the 2016–17 season.
Harrold's professional journey continued with a move to Leyton Orient on August 31, 2017. He debuted two days later, scoring a header in a 4–1 victory over Guiseley.
Key Facts
- Youngest Hat-trick Scorer: Became the youngest player in Brentford's history to score a hat-trick.
- Leading Scorer: Finished as Bristol Rovers' top goalscorer in the 2011–12 season with 18 goals.
- Versatility: Once played as a goalkeeper for Crawley Town and won Man of the Match.
- Resilience: Overcame multiple severe knee and Achilles tendon injuries throughout his later career.
| Club | Notable Achievement/Stat | Key Period |
|---|---|---|
| Brentford | Youngest ever hat-trick scorer for the club | 2003–2005 |
| Yeovil Town | Scored 9 league goals in one full season | 2005–2006 |
| Wycombe Wanderers | Consistent FA Cup and league scorer | 2008–2010 |
| Bristol Rovers | Club leading scorer (18 goals) | 2011–2013 |
| Crawley Town | Emergency goalkeeper and caretaker manager | 2014–2018 |
| Leyton Orient | Scored on debut against Guiseley | 2017–2019 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which club did Matt Harrold score the most goals for in a single season?
Matt Harrold was the leading scorer for Bristol Rovers during the 2011–12 season, netting a total of 18 goals.
Did Matt Harrold ever play a position other than forward?
Yes, during a match for Crawley Town on January 10, 2015, Harrold played as a goalkeeper for 50 minutes after the regular keeper was injured, subsequently winning the Man of the Match award.
What record did he set while playing for Brentford?
He became the youngest-ever Brentford player to score a hat-trick, achieving this feat against Gainsborough Trinity in the FA Cup.
How did injuries affect his time at Crawley Town?
Harrold suffered a knee injury in April 2016 and two separate Achilles tendon injuries in September and December 2016, which significantly limited his playing time.
Did Matt Harrold ever hold a managerial role?
Yes, he was placed in caretaker charge of Crawley Town for the final game of the 2016–17 season following the sacking of Dermot Drummy.