Guffwatch

Unpacking the West Ham news cycle.

ex-players

George ‘Terry’ Matthews: 1936–2026

Started Last Movement

Former West Ham inside-forward George ‘Terry’ Matthews has died aged 90. He made 11 first-team appearances for the club before a successful managerial career in non-league football.

No-Guff Summary

  • West Ham have announced the death of former inside-forward George ‘Terry’ Matthews at 90.
  • Matthews made 11 first-team appearances between 1953 and 1956, scoring on his Football League debut.
  • He later led Tilbury to multiple trophies and their highest Isthmian Premier Division finish.
Development

Former West Ham forward George ‘Terry’ Matthews dies aged 90

Former West Ham inside-forward George ‘Terry’ Matthews has died aged 90, the club has confirmed.

Matthews made 11 first-team appearances between 1953 and 1956. He scored West Ham’s goal on his Football League debut, a 4-1 defeat at Blackburn Rovers on 17 March 1956.

He later played for Aldershot and Gillingham before moving into non-league football. His managerial spell at Tilbury brought several trophies and the club’s highest Isthmian Premier Division finish. West Ham have passed on their condolences to his family and friends.

Sources

  • West Ham Official (opens in a new tab) — Reports the death of former West Ham inside-forward George ‘Terry’ Matthews at 90 and outlines his playing career with the club and later managerial achievements in non-league football.