The 32-year-old arrives at Harrogate Town AFC with a wealth of Football League experience under his belt, having featured for Leicester, West Bromwich Albion, Sheffield United, Portsmouth, Brighton and Hove Albion, Sheffield Wednesday and most recently Rotherham.
The defender was part of West Brom’s 2009/10 promotion winning team, as well as winning promotion to the Championship twice with Rotherham as well as the Papa John’s Trophy last season. He’s spent the last seven seasons with the Millers but is now excited meet his new teammates and show what he has to offer.
Joe said:
I’m massively looking forward to it and joining up with the lads. I’ve had a good break but now it’s time to get back to work. I’m looking forward to getting onto the training field and seeing what’s to come.
I played Harrogate last pre-season and they ran us off the park a little bit. It was a tough game, they played some good football and have got some quality players, a few in which I know. I’m looking forward to joining up with them and seeing what I can add to the group.
The left-footed defender can play as either a full back or centre half and takes pride in being “aggressive” with his defending.
Joe said:
My style of play has changed over the years. When I was younger I was more of an attacking full back, crossing balls into the box and linking up play. Then in 1v1 defending I can be quite aggressive. In the last few years I’ve slotted in as a left sided centre half and been more of a defensive full back. I still like to be aggressive, challenge for the ball in the air and the main target is clean sheets and stopping the opposition from scoring goals.
Mattock has also represented England at u17, u19 and u21 level, is closing in on 500 career appearances and represents somewhat of a coup for Manager Simon Weaver.
Simon said:
Joe is a strong left sided player, with a wealth of experience who joins us on the back of two promotions out of League One to the Championship in the last three years.”
He’s versatile, mobile, got so much quality about him on the pitch and he’ll be just as important for us off it so, he’s going to help the players already at the club and adds another good leader to the group.
You can tell by meeting him and from everyone’s feedback just how hungry a player he is, hungry to train well and win in games, he’s an absolute winner and we’re delighted to have him at the club.
Joe will wear the number three shirt at Town.
