Local Hero

Matty, Matty Todd repeat …
Matty, Matty Todd repeat …
Matty, Matty Todd repeat …

Bill Forsyth portrayed popular representations of Scottish life and folklore in the hugely successful 1983 film but when it comes to playing for the country’s newest city’s football club, no one can have a greater claim on such an acclaim as Matty Todd.

Born and brought up in Dunfermline, a former pupil of Dunfermline High School, a product of the Pars youth system and still living within a goal kick of the ground, Matty was living the dream as he played his part in cementing the Pars place in next season’s Scottish Championship. After the match and in amidst the mayhem of the celebrations Matty told the media:-

“I was lucky enough to be involved in that today and I’m just over the moon to be honest. Winning the league at East End is always something that I have grown up wanting to do. Thankfully today it has happened and I think you saw the wild celebrations at the end there from me. I’m absolutely delighted.

“It has been close to it for the last few weeks but to get it over the line in style today, in front of our home support is what a kid dreams of when he was younger.”

Matty scored Dunfermline’s second of five goals as he and his team mates thrashed the in-form team in the league. His 39th minute goal ensured a comfortable 2-0 half time lead and it was his eleventh of the season.

“I have said to you all the time, it is something that I have always wanted to do - add some goals. As the manager said the other week I’m disappointed that it is not closer to twenty given some of the chances that I have had but to add another one today I am over the moon.”

For Matty the way the match went made it a joy to play in. He added punch upfront in supporting Lewis McCann and Craig Wighton:-

“Whoever plays up there, any player goes in and does a job and today a front three worked well. We worked hard for each other. There were some great passages of play within that. You know it worked out and we are just delighted that the league is finished.”

The win took the Pars on to 74 points, 13 ahead of second placed Falkirk who played out a 2-2 draw with third placed Airdrieonians. With only three matches remaining Dunfermline cannot be caught but that was the obvious target right from the kick off given the determination shown by James McPake’s team.

“It is something that the manager said - just go out and believe in yourselves, enjoy the day and just play freely. I think we did that. The fans and the backing from them was superb again. The place was electric and we are just delighted to send them home happy.”

Matty enjoyed going to the North West Stand where many of his friends had watched the game. His family celebrated in the main stand and for the 21 year old it was a tremendous feeling and a great one to share:-

“It was crazy to be honest. I’m delighted for them, I’m delighted for my family and for myself to get promoted back to the Championship. It doesn’t stop here. We want to continue doing what we have done well this season and see what happens for the rest of this season and definitely next season as well.”

The elation of Dunfermline’s immediate return to the Championship was in stark contrast with last season which ended with the shocking play-off defeat on the first Saturday in May to Queen’s Park. Matty is one of the survivors from the 2021-2022 season disaster. He reflected:-

“We don’t want to go over last season too much but when the manager came through the door at the start of the year he said that he just wanted the club to start winning games again and start believing in yourself. I certainly think that over the course of this season we have done that. We have been by far the best team in the league and thoroughly deserve to get promoted. I’m just delighted for every single player in that dressing room because they are all superb.”

Matty’s last success with Dunfermline was lifting the Fife Cup in August 2019 but he and everyone at the club can now look forward to a bigger prize, the cinch League One trophy when it comes to East End Park in two weeks time, Saturday 29th April.

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