NEWPORT COUNTY AFC

Matthew ‘Matty’ Bondswell signed for Newport on loan in July 2023, having had a rather unique journey in the football world before his arrival in South Wales.

Born in Nottingham, Bondswell joined the academy of Bundesliga club Leipzig in 2018 at the age of 16. 

During this period, he also racked up caps for England at youth level, representing the England U15, U16, U17, and U18 sides. 

He impressed during his time in Germany, being offered a pro-deal by the club in 2020. He would then get his first taste of professional border elsewhere in Europe, joining FC Dordrecht in the Eerste Divisie, the Dutch second division. He would make six appearances during his time in the Netherlands before returning to Germany. 

Bondswell would leave Leipzig in 2021, joining Premier League Newcastle United. He would spend his first few months at the club playing with the under-23s, gaining invaluable experience. His performances there earned him a loan move to Shrewsbury Town, where he would spend the second half of the 2022/23 season. 

The talented left-back joined Newport County for a season-long loan in July 2023, making his debut off the bench in the first game of the 2023/24 season away at Accrington Stanley. He would make an instant impact in his first game at Rodney Parade, coming off the bench to grab an assist in our 3-1 win over Charlton Athletic.