Matt Healy becomes the Hoops’ third new signing ahead of the 2025 league season. Matt joins on a multi-year contract from Belgian Challenger Pro League club, Royal Francs Borains, having previously played in the LOI with Cork City.
Matt, a midfielder, will be added to the UEFA Conference League squad for the Molde games in the Conference League in February.
Stephen Bradley spoke to shamrockrovers.ie about his latest transfer coup:
Matt Healy, has signed from Belgian club team Royal Francs Borains and had previously been on loan at Cork City. When or how did Matt appear as a possible fit for Rovers?
“We liked him from the time Matt played against us when he was at Cork. We knew back then he was tied up with the other club, but we kept an eye on Matt. When we felt there was a possibility that we could get him home, we did everything possible to make it happen. It took a lot of talk and convincing, but I’m delighted that Matt feels the next part of his development is at Rovers. At 22, he’s a brilliant age, he has really good attributes as a midfielder and has a brilliant attitude and good head on his shoulders. He’s focussed, determined and ambitious, so he’ll fit a lot of what we do.”
Given Matt’s previous spells at Cork City, it should help him settle quickly to the SSE Airtricity Premier Division.
“I’ve no doubt it will. We watched Matt closely with the Ireland Under 21’s last year. You just have to see him play and know he’s played a lot of senior games for a young player. He’ll have no problem coming in and being ready to play. So, I’m delighted to get Matt in, as I said we worked really hard on that as a club and we’re really looking forward to working with him.”
What position or role in the Rovers team can we expect to see with Matt?
“He can do everything as a midfielder. He can be your six, or an eight, or a ten. He’s played in nearly all of those positions. He’s played in the formation we play quite a few times, so he’s very comfortable in all areas of the midfield. But he’s young, and one I feel we can help develop and has good attributes for all midfield positions.”
Matt also spoke with the club website:
Matt, welcome to Rovers. What’s your feeling signing for the Hoops?
“I’m delighted to sign for such a massive and successful club like Rovers. I’m here to add to that success in the seasons to come.”
When and how did the prospect of joining Rovers come about?
“I got a phone call from Stephen Bradley recently, and he knew there had been interest in me and that he’d like me to get involved at Rovers. So, I spoke about it with my family and my team, and thought it’d be a good opportunity for me so I’m delighted to get involved.”
Was it an easy decision to leave Royal Francs Borains in Belgian football or was your contract up there?
“I had six months left on my contract but I was eager to leave and try something new. So the opportunity came up when Stephen rang me and I’ve decided to grab it with both hands.”
What can Rovers fans expect to see when you get on the park, and what are your overall attributes in your game and do you feel you can add to them at Rovers?
“Rovers fans can expect energy all over the pitch. I like getting forward, and also defending, I’d like to get involved all over with assists and chipping in with some goals. So I hope to be able to bring that to the team.”
You’ve been playing at Royal Francs Borains in Belgium for the past while and had two loan spells with Cork City. How do the two leagues compare?
“They’re a bit different. The European league is a bit more technical and not as physical as League of Ireland football. But having experienced the Belgian league I hope I can put it all together and help me improve.”
Do you feel it will help you settle in at Rovers having had the two loan spells at Cork, and did you play against Rovers in those spells?
“I played eighteen months at Cork City and played against Rovers a couple of times, so I’d know quite well what Rovers are about. Having the LOI experience will definitely help me.”
The prospect of experiencing European football in both February and later in the year must be exciting for you.
“Yes it is. While I’ve played in the Belgian league, I’ve not experienced European football competition so that’s something I’m really excited about and I hope to help the team as much as I can.”
Player Bio:
Matt began playing with local side College Corinthians before joining Ipswich Town’s academy in July 2018 after impressing on several trials with the club.
His first involvement with the senior team was in November 2020 when he was in the match day squad for an EFL Trophy tie at Crawley Town. The following summer he signed his first professional contract with Ipswich and would spend the 2022 season on loan to Cork City.
Matt scored 4 goals in 26 league games as his side won the First Division and gained promotion. Having made a positive impression on then-manager Colin Healy, he returned to City for the first half of the 2023 campaign.
After being released by his contract at Ipswich, Matt signed for Royal Francs Borains in the second tier of Belgian football. The 22-year-old midfielder scored 4 goals in 29 matches last season, and had started 14 of their 15 league games so far in this campaign.
In September 2023, Matt made his Ireland Under-21 debut alongside Johnny Kenny, in a game against Turkey in his native Cork.
