A story in chapters
The Matty Cash Story
A kid from Slough released by his academy, who worked in a department store, was turned from a midfielder into a right-back – and chose Poland. Season by season, from the sources.
The route
From the edge of London through Nottingham and Birmingham to Warsaw and Brańsk in north-east Poland, where his grandmother came from.
- Slough1997 · born here
- Nottingham2014 · Forest
- Dagenham2016 · loan
- Birmingham2020 · Aston Villa
- Warszawa2021 · Poland
- Brańskgrandmother’s roots
The chronicle
Every moment of his career we could verify in the sources. The list grows every day.
2026–2710 events, 2026-2026
Criticism of referee after World Cup match
Following the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between Paraguay and France, Matty Cash criticised the officiating of referee Ilgiz Tantashev on platform X, calling his performance shocking.
Pre-season friendly against FC Porto
Matty Cash featured in a pre-season friendly match where Aston Villa faced Portuguese champions FC Porto, with Porto taking the victory.
UEFA Super Cup match against PSG
Matty Cash started in Aston Villa's UEFA Super Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain. The English club lost 1-2, and the Polish full-back featured for the Birmingham side.
Premier League defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion
Matty Cash played the full 90 minutes in Aston Villa's 0-4 away defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion in the opening round of the Premier League.
Return from injury against Tottenham
Matty Cash returned from a muscular injury, coming off the bench in Aston Villa's 3-2 victory against Tottenham Hotspur.
Call-up to the Poland national team
Matty Cash was called up by manager Jan Urban to the Poland national team squad for the training camp.
Praise for Wiktor Nowak on Łączy nas piłka
In a behind-the-scenes video for Poland's Łączy nas piłka channel, Matty Cash praised midfielder Wiktor Nowak, comparing him to Steven Gerrard and Tomáš Souček and predicting a Premier League move.
Thigh injury against Bosnia and Herzegovina
Matty Cash suffered a thigh bruise during the UEFA Nations League away match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Zenica, requiring assistance from the coaching staff to leave the pitch.
Thigh contusion against Bosnia and Herzegovina
Matty Cash started for Poland in the UEFA Nations League fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but was forced off with a thigh contusion following a collision with an opponent.
Full 90 minutes and yellow card against Brentford
Matty Cash played the full 90 minutes at right-back in Aston Villa's 2–2 home draw against Brentford at Villa Park, receiving a yellow card in the 72nd minute.
2025–2622 events, 2025-2026
Matty Cash Contract Documentation and Birthday
Matty Cash celebrated his birthday, with his Aston Villa contract officially registered as running until 30 June 2029.
Premier League Debut and Draw Against Newcastle United
Matty Cash played the full 90 minutes at right-back on the opening matchday of the Premier League as Aston Villa drew 0–0 away against Newcastle United.
Matty Cash goal against Sunderland
Matty Cash played the full match for Aston Villa and scored his first Premier League goal of the season in the 67th minute, securing a 1–1 away draw against Sunderland.
Appearance and yellow card against Bologna
Aston Villa defeated Italian side Bologna 1–0 in their opening Europa League fixture, with Matty Cash receiving a yellow card in the 42nd minute.
Winning goal against Manchester City
On 26 October 2025, Matty Cash scored the only goal in a 1–0 Premier League win against Manchester City at Villa Park, finding the net in the 19th minute.
Contract extension with Aston Villa
On 27 October 2025, Matty Cash signed a contract extension with Aston Villa until 30 June 2029.
Aston Villa Player of the Month
In October 2025, Matty Cash was named Aston Villa's Player of the Month following a series of standout performances.
Premier League appearance against Manchester United
Matty Cash played the full match in Aston Villa's starting lineup in a 2–1 home win against Manchester United at Villa Park. In first-half stoppage time he lost possession in the build-up to United's equaliser, but recovered in the second half by blocking a dangerous shot to preserve the win.
Return to the Aston Villa squad
Manager Unai Emery confirmed in a pre-match press conference ahead of the fixture against Leeds United that Matty Cash had returned to training and was back in contention for the squad.
Premier League match against Chelsea
Matty Cash started for Aston Villa in a 1–4 Premier League defeat against Chelsea at Villa Park in Birmingham, receiving a yellow card in the 32nd minute.
Premier League Match: Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa
Matty Cash played for Aston Villa in a 1–1 draw against his former club at the City Ground and received a yellow card in the 11th minute.
Europa League quarter-final against Bologna
Matty Cash played for Aston Villa in a 3-1 away win in the Europa League quarter-final against Bologna.
Return leg against Bologna and semi-final qualification
Aston Villa drew 0-0 with Bologna in the Europa League quarter-final second leg, securing a semi-final spot with a 7-1 aggregate win.
League match against Sunderland
Matty Cash played the full match in Aston Villa's 4-3 league win against Sunderland at Villa Park.
First leg of the Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest
Matty Cash featured in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final where Aston Villa faced Nottingham Forest.
Premier League match against Tottenham
Matty Cash played in the away Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur, which Aston Villa lost 1-2, and provided an assist for Emiliano Buendía's goal.
Europa League final qualification against Nottingham Forest
Matty Cash played the full 90 minutes in Aston Villa's 4-0 second-leg Europa League semi-final win against Nottingham Forest at Villa Park, securing a 4-1 aggregate qualification to the final.
Premier League draw against Burnley
Matty Cash appeared for Aston Villa in a 2-2 away Premier League draw against Burnley.
Premier League Match: Aston Villa vs Liverpool (4:2)
Matty Cash played in Aston Villa's 4–2 Premier League win against Liverpool and received a yellow card in the 39th minute.
UEFA Europa League Final: SC Freiburg vs Aston Villa (0:3)
Matty Cash played the full match for Aston Villa in a 3–0 UEFA Europa League final victory against SC Freiburg in Istanbul, winning the European trophy and receiving a yellow card in the 21st minute.
Recognition by The Athletic
British daily newspaper The Athletic recognized Matty Cash, naming him Aston Villa's player of the season for his contribution to the team's success.
UEFA Super Cup Match Preview
Sport.pl reported that following Aston Villa's UEFA Europa League victory, Matty Cash will feature in the August UEFA Super Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain.
2024–2511 events, 2024-2025
Przegląd Sportowy publication on Matty Cash's national team situation
Przegląd Sportowy Onet published an article by Marek Wawrzynowski discussing Matty Cash's absence from the Poland national team and his comments on learning about his squad omission through the media.
Interview with The Guardian ahead of Champions League fixture
The Guardian published an interview with Matty Cash ahead of Aston Villa's Champions League fixture against Bologna, in which the full-back praised the club's development under manager Unai Emery and stated the club has no ceiling.
Matty Cash's goal against Brentford
Matty Cash played the full match in the 14th round of the Premier League and scored his first goal of the season in the 34th minute, contributing to Aston Villa's 3:1 win at Villa Park. He received a yellow card in the 82nd minute.
Appearance against Newcastle United
Matty Cash started for Aston Villa in the Boxing Day fixture against Newcastle United at St James' Park, which his team lost 0:3. He received a yellow card in the 14th minute of the match.
Champions League appearance against Club Brugge
Matty Cash returned from injury as a 64th-minute substitute in Aston Villa's 3-1 away win against Club Brugge, winning a late penalty after being fouled by Christos Tzolis.
Poland National Team Call-up
Manager Michał Probierz announced the squad for the World Cup qualifiers, which included Matty Cash after a break caused by injuries.
World Cup qualifier squad and match: Poland vs Lithuania
Matty Cash was named in manager Michał Probierz's 25-man Poland squad for the World Cup qualifier against Lithuania at the National Stadium in Warsaw.
World Cup qualifier: Poland vs Malta
Matty Cash participated in the Poland national team's March training camp ahead of their second World Cup qualifying match against Malta at the National Stadium in Warsaw.
Match against Tottenham Hotspur and yellow card
Aston Villa defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2–0 in the 37th round of the Premier League. Matty Cash featured in the match and received a yellow card in the 23rd minute.
Interview comments about Doda
In an interview with Plejada, Matty Cash spoke about his fondness for Polish culture and music, expressing admiration for Dorota Rabczewska.
Goal in match Poland vs Moldova
Matty Cash played in Poland's 2-0 friendly win against Moldova, scoring his second international goal with a precise strike from a tight angle.
2023–2412 events, 2023-2024
100th Aston Villa appearance and two goals against Burnley
Matty Cash made his 100th appearance for Aston Villa in a 3–1 Premier League away win against Burnley F.C. at Turf Moor, scoring twice in the opening twenty minutes.
Match against Liverpool and own goal
Matty Cash featured in the Premier League matchday 4 fixture against Liverpool at Anfield. Aston Villa lost 0-3, and the defender scored an own goal in the 22nd minute.
Match against Crystal Palace
Matty Cash started for Aston Villa in a 3-1 Premier League win against Crystal Palace at Villa Park and received a yellow card in the 86th minute.
Match against Tottenham Hotspur
Matty Cash started for Aston Villa in a 2–1 Premier League win against Tottenham Hotspur, receiving a yellow card in the 27th minute for a challenge on Rodrigo Bentancur.
Winning goal against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup
Matty Cash scored the only goal of the match in the 87th minute, securing a 1-0 win for Aston Villa and their first FA Cup victory since 2016.
Yellow card against Manchester United
Matty Cash received a yellow card in the 60th minute of the Premier League match against Manchester United.
Goal against Lille
Matty Cash scored a goal for Aston Villa in the UEFA Europa Conference League match against Lille, helping his team progress.
Match against Brighton & Hove Albion
Matty Cash played in the 36th round Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion which ended in a 0:1 defeat, coming on as a substitute in the 26th minute for the injured Morgan Rogers and receiving a yellow card in the 90+9th minute.
Reports regarding Euro 2024 squad omission
According to media reports based on sport.tvp.pl findings, Matty Cash was not included in Poland's squad announced by manager Michał Probierz for Euro 2024 due to health issues.
Euro 2024 squad omission
In June 2024, Matty Cash was left out of the Poland squad for the Euro 2024 tournament, reportedly learning about his omission from the media.
AC Milan interest and Aston Villa valuation
According to media reports, AC Milan showed interest in signing Matty Cash, with Aston Villa valuing the defender at over £20m.
Reports of a potential swap deal with Inter Milan
Reports emerged that Aston Villa and Inter Milan were considering a player exchange that could send Matty Cash to Italy and Denzel Dumfries to Villa Park.
2022–234 events, 2022-2023
Friendly match against Manchester United
Matty Cash played for Aston Villa in a pre-season friendly against Manchester United that ended in a 2–2 draw, scoring an own goal in the 42nd minute.
Match against West Ham United
Matty Cash played for Aston Villa in a Premier League home match against West Ham United, which ended in a 0–1 defeat. He received a yellow card in the 57th minute of the match.
Aston Villa vs Manchester City match
Matty Cash featured in the Premier League match against Manchester City, receiving a yellow card in the 26th minute of a 1–1 draw.
Match against Brighton & Hove Albion
Matty Cash played for Aston Villa in a 2–1 Premier League home win against Brighton & Hove Albion at Villa Park, receiving a yellow card in the 22nd minute.
2021–2214 events, 2021-2022
Premier League match against Brentford
Matty Cash played for Aston Villa in a 1-1 Premier League draw against Brentford and received a yellow card in the 61st minute.
First goal for Aston Villa against Everton
On 18 September 2021, Matty Cash scored his first goal for Aston Villa in a 3–0 Premier League win against Everton.
Observed by Paulo Sousa at Emirates Stadium
Poland national team manager Paulo Sousa watched Matty Cash playing for Aston Villa against Arsenal from the stands at Emirates Stadium in a match that ended in a 1–3 defeat for Aston Villa.
Signing of Polish citizenship application
On 26 October 2021 at the Masovian Voivodeship Office in Warsaw, Matty Cash signed the official application to confirm his Polish citizenship.
First Poland Call-Up
Matty Cash received his first-ever call-up to the Poland national team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Andorra and Hungary.
Dean Smith sacked by Aston Villa
Matty Cash's club, Aston Villa, sacked manager Dean Smith on 7 November 2021.
Steven Gerrard appointed Aston Villa manager
Steven Gerrard was appointed as the new manager of Aston Villa, replacing the dismissed Dean Smith.
Debut for Poland
Matty Cash made his debut for the Poland national team, playing in a 4–1 away victory against Andorra during the World Cup qualifiers.
Match against Leeds United
Matty Cash played in a 3–3 Premier League draw against Leeds United, receiving a yellow card in the 90th minute.
Match against Watford
Matty Cash featured in a 0–1 Premier League home defeat against Watford and was booked with a yellow card in the 57th minute.
Goal and message of support against Brighton
Matty Cash scored a long-range goal in a 2–0 away win against Brighton & Hove Albion. He received a yellow card for removing his shirt to reveal a message of support for Tomasz Kędziora amidst the war in Ukraine, and the strike was later nominated for the Premier League Goal of the Month award.
Five-year contract extension at Aston Villa
Matty Cash signed a five-year contract extension with Aston Villa, committing his future to the club until {{contract}} amidst reported interest from Atlético Madrid.
Aston Villa Player of the Season Award
At Aston Villa's end of season awards ceremony, Matty Cash was voted the club's Player of the Season for the 2021–22 campaign.
First goal for the Poland national team
Matty Cash scored his first-ever international goal for the Poland national football team in an away UEFA Nations League match against the Netherlands, which ended in a 2–2 draw.
2020–218 events, 2020-2021
Nottingham Forest Player of the Season
Matty Cash was voted Nottingham Forest's Player of the Season by the club's supporters.
Transfer to Aston Villa
Matty Cash joined Aston Villa from Nottingham Forest on a five-year contract for a fee of £14 million.
Debut for Aston Villa
Matty Cash made his debut for Aston Villa in a 1–0 Premier League win against Sheffield United at Villa Park.
Match against Southampton
Matty Cash played in the Premier League match against Southampton at Villa Park, receiving a yellow card in the 43rd minute. Aston Villa lost the match 3–4.
Match against West Ham United
Matty Cash played in the Premier League away match against West Ham United at the London Stadium, receiving a yellow card in the 67th minute. Aston Villa lost the match 1–2.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 0–1 Aston Villa
Matty Cash started and played the full 90 minutes for Aston Villa in a 1–0 Premier League win against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium, receiving a yellow card in the 29th minute.
Yellow card against Tottenham
In the Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park, Aston Villa lost 0-2, and Matty Cash received a yellow card in the 74th minute of the match.
Match against Manchester City and red card
Matty Cash started for Aston Villa in the Premier League match against Manchester City (1–2). In the second half he received two yellow cards (54th and 57th minute), resulting in a red card.
2019–208 events, 2019-2020
Goal against West Bromwich Albion
Matty Cash scored his first goal of the 2019/2020 season in the 9th minute of the opening EFL Championship match against West Bromwich Albion. Nottingham Forest lost the game 1–2 at the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest match against Barnsley
Matty Cash started for Nottingham Forest in a 1-0 Championship win against Barnsley at the City Ground and received a yellow card in the 24th minute.
Match against Queens Park Rangers and yellow card
Matty Cash featured for Nottingham Forest in a 4-0 away Championship win against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road, receiving a yellow card in the 52nd minute.
Contract extension with Nottingham Forest
Matty Cash signed a three-and-a-half-year contract extension with Nottingham Forest, extending his deal until 2023.
Match against Millwall F.C.
Matty Cash played the full match for Nottingham Forest against Millwall F.C., which ended in a 2–2 draw. He received a yellow card in the 30th minute.
Transfer interest and decision to stay at Nottingham Forest
In January 2020, clubs including Milan, Everton, and West Ham expressed interest in signing Matty Cash. However, he decided to stay at Nottingham Forest until the end of the season to help the team achieve promotion to the Premier League.
Match against Leeds United
Nottingham Forest won 2–0 against Leeds United at the City Ground. Matty Cash received a yellow card in the 44th minute of the match.
Goal and draw against West Bromwich Albion
Nottingham Forest drew 2–2 away against West Bromwich Albion. Matty Cash received a yellow card in the 27th minute and scored a goal in the 90th minute of the match.
2018–1912 events, 2018-2019
Goal in friendly against Lincoln Red Imps
Matty Cash scored the opening goal in the 24th minute of a pre-season friendly as Nottingham Forest defeated Lincoln Red Imps 5–0.
Goal in friendly against Oldham Athletic
Matty Cash scored Nottingham Forest's first goal in the 3rd minute of a pre-season friendly against Oldham Athletic, which ended in a 2–2 draw.
Goal and yellow card against Bury
In the EFL Cup first round, Matty Cash scored a 90th-minute equalising goal and received a yellow card in the 53rd minute. The match ended 1–1, with Nottingham Forest winning 10–9 on penalties.
Goal against Wigan Athletic
Matty Cash scored in the 10th minute of an EFL Championship match against Wigan Athletic, which finished in a 2–2 draw.
Goal against Newcastle United
In the EFL Cup second round, Matty Cash scored Nottingham Forest's third goal in the 90th minute to seal a 3–1 win against Newcastle United.
Goal against Brentford
Matty Cash scored for Nottingham Forest in the 62nd minute against Brentford, setting the final score at 2–1 to the hosts.
Appearance against Swansea City
Matty Cash started for Nottingham Forest in a 0–0 draw against Swansea City and received a yellow card in the 41st minute.
Nottingham Forest vs Sheffield United match
Matty Cash played the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 Championship win against Sheffield United at the City Ground and received a yellow card in the 34th minute.
Matty Cash's goal against Aston Villa
Matty Cash played the full match for Nottingham Forest and scored a goal in the 22nd minute to make it 2-1 in a 5-5 Championship draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park.
Matty Cash scores twice against Norwich City
Matty Cash played the full match for Nottingham Forest against Norwich City and scored two goals (in the 45th and 74th minutes). The game at Carrow Road ended in a 3–3 draw.
Goal against Wigan Athletic
Matty Cash scored in the 48th minute of an EFL Championship match against Wigan Athletic, which ended in a 3–1 defeat for Nottingham Forest. He also received a yellow card in the 30th minute.
Nottingham Forest vs Middlesbrough match
Matty Cash played for Nottingham Forest in a 3–0 EFL Championship matchday 44 victory against Middlesbrough at the City Ground, receiving a yellow card in the 45th minute.
2017–185 events, 2017-2018
Injury during friendly against Girona
In July 2017, during a pre-season friendly against Girona F.C., Matty Cash suffered an ankle ligament injury that sidelined him for about three months.
Squad number change
Before the start of the 2017/2018 season, Matty Cash changed his Nottingham Forest shirt number from 41 to 14.
Match against Aston Villa
Matty Cash played for Nottingham Forest in a 0–1 EFL Championship defeat against Aston Villa at The City Ground, receiving a yellow card in the 63rd minute.
First goal for Nottingham Forest
Matty Cash scored his first-ever goal for Nottingham Forest during a 5–2 away win against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.
Goal against Birmingham City
Matty Cash scored in the 79th minute of the EFL Championship match against Birmingham City, securing a 2–1 win for Nottingham Forest at The City Ground.
2016–175 events, 2016-2017
Signed three-year contract with Nottingham Forest
Matty Cash signed a new three-year contract with Nottingham Forest running until 2019.
Nottingham Forest first-team debut
Matty Cash made his first-team debut for Nottingham Forest, starting in a 4–3 victory against Burton Albion.
Tibia fracture injury against Aston Villa
On 11 September 2016, Matty Cash suffered a fracture to his tibia at the beginning of an away match against Aston Villa that ended in a 2–2 draw. The injury sidelined the Nottingham Forest player for approximately three months.
RB Leipzig bid
German club RB Leipzig made a £6 million transfer bid for Matty Cash.
New contract with Nottingham Forest
Matty Cash signed a new four-year contract with Nottingham Forest F.C., extending his deal with the club until 2021.
2015–165 events, 2016-2016
Loan transfer to Dagenham & Redbridge
Matty Cash joined League Two club Dagenham & Redbridge on a one-month loan from Nottingham Forest, marking his first experience in senior professional football.
First senior career goal against Hartlepool United
Matty Cash scored his first official career goal in the 33rd minute against Hartlepool United in a 1–3 away defeat for Dagenham & Redbridge.
Matty Cash's goal against Plymouth Argyle
Matty Cash scored a goal in the 24th minute of a League Two match against Plymouth Argyle at Home Park. Dagenham & Redbridge won the game 3-2.
Goal for Dagenham & Redbridge against Bristol Rovers
Matty Cash played for Dagenham & Redbridge in an away League Two match against Bristol Rovers, which ended in a 1:2 defeat, scoring a goal in the 12th minute.
End of loan spell at Dagenham & Redbridge
Following the conclusion of the 2015–16 season, Matty Cash's loan spell from Nottingham Forest to Dagenham & Redbridge came to an end.
Prologue12 events, 1936-2014
Birth of Ryszard Tomaszewski
Ryszard Tomaszewski, Matty Cash's maternal grandfather, was born in Stanisławów.
Deportation to Siberia
Ryszard Tomaszewski, alongside his mother and two sisters, was deported by the Russians from the territories of the Second Polish Republic to Siberia.
Release from exile
After nearly two years in exile in Siberia, the family was released under the Sikorski–Majski Agreement, beginning a journey that took them through countries including Iran and India before settling in Tanganyika.
Birth of Janina Tomaszewska
Janina, Matty Cash's maternal grandmother, was born in Brańsk, Podlaskie Voivodeship.
Emigration to Great Britain
Ryszard Tomaszewski, along with his mother and sisters, emigrated from Mombasa to Liverpool aboard the ship RMS Scythia.
Ryszard and Janina meet
Ryszard Tomaszewski met Janina in Great Britain.
Birth of Barbara Tomaszewska
Barbara Tomaszewska, daughter of Ryszard and Janina and mother of Matthew Cash, was born in Great Britain.
Receipt of British citizenship
Matty Cash's grandparents, Ryszard and Janina, received British citizenship.
Birth of Matty Cash
Matthew Stuart Cash was born in Slough, England, to parents Stuart Cash and Barbara Cash (née Tomaszewska).
Departure from Wycombe Wanderers academy
In 2012, 14-year-old Matty Cash had to leave the Wycombe Wanderers academy after the club disbanded its youth teams due to financial difficulties.
Joined FAB Academy
In 2013, Matty Cash joined the FAB Academy based at the National Sports Centres in Bisham Abbey, following the disbandment of Wycombe Wanderers' youth teams.
Signed for Nottingham Forest
Matty Cash signed a contract with Nottingham Forest following a 16-month spell at the FAB Football Academy in Bisham Abbey.