Matthew Scott

Football career

Scott first joined Airdrieonians in September 1890, playing as a full back. He "kicked the ball long and with purpose" and specialised in clearances off the line. In a survey of Scottish footballers published in The Scottish Referee in 1894, Scott, "in conjunction with his partner Bob McFarlane, are known throughout Lanarkshire as Scotland's defenders. They could make the Welshmen trot around."

On 19 March 1898, Scott captained the Scotland national football team against Wales at Fir Park, as part of the 1897–98 British Home Championship. Scott played full back and the result was a 5–2 victory for Scotland.

Scott signed for Newcastle United for the 1900–01 season, having been brought in as cover for Dave Gardner. He played five matches in total and his debut was against Sheffield United on 8 December 1900, playing as a left back. He was described as being a "touch slow when against a winger with pace".

Scott returned to Airdrieonians after his season at Newcastle, and continued playing for them until 1902 when he signed for Albion Rovers. Following this injury Scott was forced to retire from football.

Personal life and family Scott had a number of siblings. An older brother, Robert, also played for Airdrieonians and was capped for Scotland in the 1893–94 British Home Championship. He died on 14 August 1941 in the Royal Glasgow Cancer Hospital.