Matt Doughty

Chester City

Born in Warrington, Doughty signed professional terms with Chester City at the age of 16. He played regularly in 1999–2000 and 2000–01. This period saw him and the club relegated from the Football League, with Doughty missing the decisive final game of the 1999–2000 season after being sent to prison for four months the day before, following an incident outside a nightclub in his home town of Warrington. After his release from prison, he regained his place in the Chester side throughout the 2000–01 season.

Rochdale

Doughty attracted the interest of many Football League clubs but he joined Rochdale in July 2001. Doughty established himself as the club's first choice left-back. He was offered a trial with Southampton, but a broken leg prevented the move going through. Doughty's first game for Rochdale in August 2001 saw him score in a 2–1 win at Oxford United, the first Football League goal to be scored at the Kassam Stadium. Doughty was not offered a contract renewal from Rochdale in the summer of 2004 and was left without a club.

Return to non-league

Despite interest from clubs, most notably Bristol Rovers, Doughty said he did not want to "up sticks" and move his young family a long way from home. During the off-season, Accrington Stanley offered Doughty a contract and announced in the press that Doughty had signed, which he had not. Two days after the false announcement he had signed for Accrington, Doughty agreed terms with Halifax…

Chester City

Conference League Cup: 2000–01 Halifax Town

Conference National play-off finalists: 2005–06