Matthew_Hockley
Matthew Hockley
English footballer
Matthew Hockley (born 5 June 1982) is an English former professional footballer, who plays for Bideford. He can play in defence or midfield.
Hockley was born in Paignton, Devon and joined Torquay United as a trainee. He turned professional in July 2000 and made his first-team debut in the 1-1 draw at home to Southend United in the FA Cup 1st Round on 18 November 2000. His league debut came the following week in a 2-1 home win against Barnet. He made sporadic appearances over the next two seasons before becoming a regular under Leroy Rosenior, missing only one game in the 2003-04 promotion season. He is nicknamed 'Pitbull' due to his tenacious tackling.
In May 2005, he accepted a new contract with Torquay [1] and in the 2006-07 season made his 200th first team appearance for the Gulls. His 200th league appearance came on 2 March 2007 in a 1-1 draw away to Chester City, Hockley replacing Lloyd Kerry as a late substitute.
Torquay were relegated to the Conference National at the end of the 2006-07 season, but Hockley chose to remain with the club, agreeing a new contract with new Torquay manager Paul Buckle.[2] He was an unused substitute in Torquay's FA Trophy Final defeat at Wembley in May 2008,[3] and was released by Torquay three days later.[4]
Hockley joined Truro City in June 2008.[5] After 1 season at Truro City he then moved onto Bideford on a free transfer.
His brother Wayne was also a professional with Torquay United.