Former Walsall defender Matthew Gadsby tragically passed away while playing for Conference North side Hinckley United away against Harrogate Town on Saturday 9th September 2006, which was just 3 days after his 27th birthday.

It was believed that the Sutton Coldfield born defender and midfielder had swallowed his tongue. However, it was later announced that this was not the cause of death, it was in fact a heart condition known as Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), which is an inherited condition that affects the muscle of the right ventricle of the heart.

Matthew progressed through the highly rated ranks at Bescot Stadium and went on to make 47 appearances for the club, in which one was that never forgettable day out at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff as The Saddlers gained promotion back to Division 1 (now known as The Championship) with a 3-2 victory over Reading. Manager at the time Ray Graydon brought Matthew on as a substitute during that very game, and was he was also the first player to congratulate Darren Byfield after his match-winning goal.

Following Walsall’s promotion to Division 1, Matthew didn’t manage to break his way into The Saddlers first team and was allowed to leave Bescot Stadium on a free transfer in the Summer 2002. Matty then decided to link up with Mansfield Town where he made 20 appearances before joining Kidderminster Harriers in 2003.

He played for The Harriers for just a year making 32 appearances and scoring 2 goals, before linking up with Forest Green Rovers, he then made 66 appearances scoring 3 goals before linking up with Hinckley United.

Matthew made 7 appearances for the Hinckley United before his tragic death, the clubs’ chairman Kevin Downes said:

"This is an absolute tragedy and our thoughts are with Matthew's family and friends. "Incidents like this put everything into perspective and no-one can quite come to terms with what has happened.

"The medics were on the pitch within seconds and their treatment was first-class and they did everything they could along with the staff at the hospital, which was next door to the ground.