You joined Bangor in the summer and have kicked off the season with a fantastic goal-scoring run. How proud are you of such a strong start?
“Yeah, making the move in the summer was a big change, and Bangor welcomed me with open arms, which helped me settle in quickly. My main goal was just to play football and give it my best.
“Everyone’s support made it easy to hit the ground running—playing every week, scoring goals—it’s really down to how comfortable I feel and how much I’m enjoying it right now.”
Bangor have ambitions to return to the top flight of Northern Irish football, which is part of why they brought you on board. How does it feel to join a club that is ambitious for the future?
“That is exactly what every player wants—to be with a club that is ambitious. When you are driven, you want to be part of something that is aiming high and pushing for success.
“But it is not just about me; everyone at Bangor, from the players to the backroom staff, is focused on the same goal. It is all about pulling together to achieve Premier League football. We are in a solid position right now, but we are keeping grounded—it is only November, and we are focused on each game as it comes.
“Hopefully, by April, we’ll be where we want to be and help take Bangor back to the Premiership.”
You are a natural goal-scorer, and your father – Glen or Spike as he is commonly known – was one of the greatest strikers in Irish League history. Growing up with him, he must have had a considerable influence on your goal-scoring instincts?
“Yeah, you could say it is in the genes! (Laughs).
“Obviously, my dad was on another level, but I just focus on doing my best, and that is how I want to be measured. He has been a great mentor—always there with advice.
“Even now, I am still learning. Football is like that, no matter your age. But once I am out on the pitch, it is down to me, playing off instinct and everything I have picked up over the years. I owe a lot to him for guiding me, and I am grateful for his support.
“Growing up watching him play, he was top-class, and I’m doing my best to follow in his footsteps.”
Tell me about working with Lee Feeney. He was highly regarded as a player and has spoken about wanting to instil a strong mentality in his players. How has it been working with him?
“Lee’s been fantastic. When I sat down with him and John Douglas over the summer, we just clicked. We have built a great relationship since then. I have massive respect for him—not just for what he achieved as a player, but for who he is as a person.
“He is humble, treats everyone with respect, and communicates so well. It is not just with me; he is like that with everyone. He is always there, helping us through the highs and lows, and that has been invaluable. Playing under him has been an incredible experience, and I am really enjoying it.”
You have shown a lot of resilience. You had a great run with the Welders, but you also came back from a major injury. How did you stay motivated through the recovery process?
“Yeah, I have been through my share of challenges. The injury was a tough one—I fractured my kneecap during a pre-season game, and at first, the surgeons said I would not need surgery, which felt like a relief. But after nine months of rehab, I got injured again in my second game back. So, I had to start over. Jonny Cummings, the physio, was amazing—he helped me through every step, especially mentally.
“Eventually, we decided surgery was the best option if I wanted to play again. Johnny kept me motivated, always pushing me to keep going. Those nine months of rehab were all about grit and consistency. Looking back, all those extra sessions and tough nights were worth it. It feels amazing to be back, and I am just grateful I kept pushing myself.”
Finally, Matthew, now that you are in your late 20s, people say this is often the peak period for a player. You have bounced back from injury, you are scoring goals, and you are feeling strong. Do you believe the best is yet to come?
“Absolutely. Every player wants to improve year after year, and I feel like I am on a solid upward path. The past few seasons have been rewarding. I have had personal achievements, made it to the Team of the Season, and topped scoring charts.
“But now I am focused on team success—winning silverware and pushing to the next level. Right now, my only focus is on improving each week, taking it one game at a time. Next season, I will aim to build on this one. For now, my goal is to be the best I can for Bangor and help achieve as much as we can together.”
Featured image: Bangor FC
Callum McFadden 