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DELIGHTED: Matt Alexander (right) being interviewed by DJ Spoony at the Black List Awards last year

MATT ALEXANDER, son of pioneering black manager Keith, is the youngest chief scout in the country. Having recently taken up the post at League One side Notts County, the 30–year-old is looking forward to playing a leading role in the identification and development of future players at the club.

“I’m over the moon,” Matt said. “As my dad started his playing career here, so the club is obviously close to my heart. I’ve been a football agent for many years, but this is something I have always wanted to do. During the summer, I joined Bradford City as a scout working under Archie Christie. I enjoyed my time there, and learnt a lot from him, but this role gives me more responsibility.”

Following his stint at Valley Parade, Matt was approached by Ray Trew, County’s owner, who asked if he’d be interested in becoming the Magpies’ chief scout. It was an offer he couldn’t refuse.

“I’ve worked with Ray in the past, so he knows how much of a hard worker I am, and that I’ve got contacts across the world because of my dealings with Premier League clubs and the involvement I’ve had in various commercial deals. Big things are wanted at County, and I am really looking forward to working closely with Martin Allen. The club is looking to the future, and they want people that are young, hungry and eager for the challenge.”

At such a young age, Matt feels eyebrows may be raised following his appointment. “People could see it as a bit of a gamble,” he admitted. Yet, he is confident he possesses the ability to make the role his own. “My record proves that I can spot a player. I know that I can excel in this position. Football takes time, and in order to build something, you have to be patient.”

RESPECTED PIONEER: The late Keith Alexander (left) with Birmingham City manager Chris Hughton

Since starting at Meadow Lane, Matt has been travelling the length and breadth of the country on the lookout for talent. “There is a lot of contact with agents and managers, and you have to do a fair bit of travelling. I cover more than 1000 miles a week,” he said.

Although the job is a demanding one, he revealed that there is nothing more rewarding than spotting a player who goes on to make a career in the game.

“There is no better feeling than spotting a player nobody else has seen, who then goes on to be a good solid professional. Ideally, we’d all love to see these players become Premier League stars. But we have to be realistic. These are people that are playing on a Saturday or Sunday, who can be working another job at the same time.”

It has been over a year and a half since Matt’s father, Keith, passed away. In an added piece of poignancy, Keith's final game was a 1-0 loss at County whilst in charge of Macclesfield Town. When asked what Keith would make of how much his son had achieved so early on in his career, Matt said his dad would ‘just be pleased to see another good guy in the game.’

He continued: “My dad would be proud. It has taken time to try to get over his passing, and it’s something I’ll never properly come to terms with. There will always be mentions of my dad, but people realise I’m my own man. Growing up, I always felt that I’m the kind of person who could make a difference. Now, I have big plans, and this really is just the start for me.”

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