Yeovil Town club captain Matt Worthington has joined National League Premier rivals Oldham Athletic.

The departure comes days after the midfielder made his 250th appearance in green-and-white in last Friday’s goalless draw at home to Gateshead.

The 27-year-old has moved on a free transfer and signed for the Latics, who presently sit fifth in the National League, until the end of next season.

In a statement from Yeovil chairman Martin Hellier, he said that it was “with a heavy heart” that the club had allowed the skipper to depart seven years after he joined the club permanently in September 2019.

The owner said: “Whilst I, as well as the club’s supporters, are saddened to see Matt go, I am also fully supportive and excited for him receiving what is a great offer and an exciting move for him and his career, and I have no doubts that fans will share in that support for Matt’s ambitions.

Matt has shown great loyalty and service to Yeovil Town, and I am always reminded of his commitment in staying with Yeovil Town after it was relegated to the National League South, despite offers he had at the time from clubs in higher leagues. Jack and I have enjoyed an endearing friendship with Matt off the pitch too, and when Matt approached us requesting this move, we are first and foremost commitment to the happiness and welfare of an employee as well as a good friend.

“Myself, Mark and Jack, as well as all the staff and supporters of Yeovil Town salute you Matt for your dedication and loyalty, and sincerely wish you the very best for the future.” 

 

A statement from Worthy posted on his social media after the news broke.

In their announcement, Oldham confirmed Worthington had agreed a deal until the end of next season and quoted Worthy saying he only found out about the move on Thursday.

He said: “When I was presented with the chance to join, it was something I could not turn down. The move came about very quickly to be honest, I found out yesterday it could get done so I headed up here this morning (Friday) to get it done.

I am a good age and I have played a lot of games at the level for Yeovil, when Oldham come in and showed interest it was something I had to get done.

 A freak injury sustained in the goalless draw at Tamworth in late October kept Worthington out of the team for a month and has limited him to 16 starts and six substitute appearances in all competitions this season.

However, the former AFC Bournemouth youngster has showed his versatility filling the role of wing-back in the absence of first-choice Michael Smith and Alex Whittle through injury at points this season.

Worthington’s first appearance came off the bench in a 2-2 home draw against Morecambe in September 2017 when he joined Darren Way’s Yeovil on loan from AFC Bournemouth in the first half of the 2017/18 season in League Two. He made 19 appearances for the club that season, before starting the following campaign at Forest Green Rovers, then managed by current Glovers’ boss Mark Cooper.

Matt Worthington. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

At the end of his time in Gloucestershire, he signed permanently with Yeovil in January 2019 and was part of the side which took the club out of the Football League at the end of the 2019-20 season. Following relegation, he was a key part of teams under first Darren Sarll, the temporary charge of Charlie Lee and briefly Chris Hargreaves, before suffering relegation in to the National League South under Cooper’s charge in 2022-23.

Matt Worthington. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

He was one of the first to sign a new two-year contract in May 2023 despite interest from other National League Premier clubs for his services. He was rewarded by being the man with the armband who lifted the National League South title 12 months later, confirming his place in the club’s history.

This season back in the top flight of the non-League game has seen him used more sparingly due to the form of Brett McGavin and Charlie Cooper in the centre of midfield and injury, but he did make his 250th appearance for the club in the goalless draw at home to Gateshead last weekend.

Matt Worthington lifts the National League South championship trophy.📸 Gary Brown

 

 


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Benji
22 days ago

Another club captain and leader ousted out the door, great work 👏🏼

YTFC Bob
22 days ago

Eurgh. That’s not what I wanted to see today.

Phil Allen
22 days ago

Ousted, probably not – good business? I certainly hope so!

Lest we forget, he could left when (he who shall not be named) caused untold mayhem. He stood by Staunts et al through that year of crap!

Before that, Scrooge of the Bournemouth area could’ve cashed in on him as one of our few truly good players.of that time…but again, he stayed and slugged it out over a couple more dire seasons.

So glad that his perseverance and loyalty got some reward with the trophy lift last season. He’s been the player that filled so many gaps when and wherever needed. Proper respectful and decent chap as well.

Best wishes to the Ginger Pirlo but I hope he has a one off stinker when we visit Boundary Park!

Benji
22 days ago
Reply to  Phil Allen

Certainly not good business when he leaves on a free in the middle of a season

Phil Allen
22 days ago
Reply to  Benji

I didn’t know he left on a free? I guess it then depends on new acquisitions as a result (freed up wages). If Kyrell Wilson does for us as good as he looks for Swans U23 then we might just have the goalscorer we need to compliment McGucken.

Benji
22 days ago
Reply to  Phil Allen

Yep, Oldham confirmed it as a free transfer, so assuming another case of contract terminated to allow them to move on a free. Would’ve felt so much more comfortable if we’d got some money out of it

Phil Allen
22 days ago
Reply to  Benji

That being the case, it isn’t good business as Worthy was a saleable asset (if he wanted to go), and he did.

Goal Lover
22 days ago

Seen the official club statement. Not sure why that really old fashioned font has to be used for everything tbh?
Couldn’t they use something else?

Andy Pandy
22 days ago

I feel a bit sad. I didn’t expect or want to read this news. Football, eh? Bugger.

Thanks for your time and efforts in green and white, Worthy. Go well and stay fit and healthy.