Manager Peter Taylor moved swiftly to fill the vacancy and, after a suitably impressive performance in a pre-season friendly at Alfreton Town, Matt was rewarded with a two-year contract.

Although - as a 27 year-old - he still awaited his League debut, Matt was not unfamiliar to the surroundings of a Football League club.

He had joined Chesterfield on non-contract terms in January 1995 before moving on to Matlock Town and AlfretonTown. A dream came true in September 1999 when he joined Sheffield United - the team he supported as a boy. Although, he wasn't to make a senior outing for his beloved Blades, Matt did gain further recognition with a loan move to Bury.

In September 2000, the imposing keeper was persuaded by Nigel Clough to join Burton Albion and produced a string of consistent performances as the Brewers gained promotion to the Conference for the first time in 2002.

Matt made 94 appearances during his four-year spell at Eton Park and established a reputation as one of the top goalies in non-league football. He departed for a fee of £20,000 which could increase to £60,000 depending on appearances.

Bo Myhill's consistent form meant he was largely restricted to the bench. However, despite making a total of only four appearances, Matt nonetheless became an important member of the Tigers squad that won promotion to the Championship at the first attempt.

Matt was restricted to just 104 minutes of senior action with the Tigers in 2005-06 but gained further first team experience with loan spells at Stockport County and Wycombe Wanderers in League Two.