Stanley Matthews was born in Hanley, Stoke on Trent in 1915. His father, a professional boxer known as ‘The Fighting Barber’, instilled a lifelong dedication to training in the young Stan. From the age of six onwards Stanley did deep breathing exercises, chest expanding and skipping, and walked everywhere.
In 1948, Stanley Matthews achieved a historic milestone by being named the inaugural English Footballer of the Year, a recognition of his remarkable skill and influence on the field. That same year, he also made his debut in the FA Cup Final for Blackpool FC, marking the beginning of his three appearances in the prestigious match. On 23 April 1948, just before the final, Matthews was honoured once again, winning the first-ever Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award. Despite Blackpool taking the lead twice during the final, they were ultimately defeated 4-2 by Manchester United, managed by Matt Busby. Matthews played a key role in the match, providing an assist for the goal by Stan Mortensen, one of Blackpool’s two in the game. Matthews had joined Blackpool in May 1947, moving for £11,500 at the age of 32, following a high-profile Great Britain vs. Rest of Europe match in Glasgow, where the British team triumphed 6-1. The match had raised £30,000 for the football associations of the four Home Nations, but Matthews expressed frustration over the small amount of money the players received—just £14 each—and questioned where the remainder of the funds had gone, suggesting little of it benefited grassroots football.
(L-R) Stanley Matthews and Stan Mortensen, Blackpool. 28 February 1948 © Alamy
At Blackpool, Matthews was part of a formidable attacking line-up, alongside Stan Mortensen, Jimmy McIntosh, and Alex Munro, and the team played an exciting brand of football that captivated fans. In the 1947-48 season, Blackpool finished in ninth place and reached the FA Cup final. However, despite a strong performance, they were defeated by Manchester United in the final, though Matthews’ contributions, including his assist for Mortensen’s goal, were memorable moments. In the following season, injury limited Matthews to just 28 appearances, and Blackpool struggled to finish in a disappointing 16th place. During the summer, Matthews took to the stage with his brother Ronnie, performing in a variety act, though an ankle injury sustained during a charity match affected his recovery. The 1949-50 season saw Blackpool improve, finishing seventh in the league, though they were never serious title contenders. Despite this, Matthews’ ability to entertain continued to draw large crowds, and the team’s style of football was a major attraction for fans. At the time, Matthews was earning the maximum wage allowed for a professional footballer—£12 a week—yet his passion for the game and his commitment to Blackpool remained undiminished.
1953 FA Cup Final Bolton Wanderers v Blackpool. Stanley Mortensen scores the equaliser for Blackpool during the FA Cup Final at Wembley. The ball deflected off of Hassall and into the net. 2nd May 1953 – © Alamy
Stanley Matthews is probably best known for his crucial role in Blackpool’s 1953 FA Cup victory over Bolton, a match often called “the Matthews Final.”
(L-R) England’s Stanley Matthews, Duncan Edwards and Billy Wright warm up with a jog around Highbury. 3 April 1957
