Matthew James Anthony Tootle (born 11 October 1990) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Northern Counties East League Premier Division club Retford United.
Career Crewe Alexandra Tootle was born in Widnes, Cheshire. Joining Crewe as an eight-year old, Tootle signed his first professional contract after making an impression on Crewe manager Gudjon Thordarsson in July 2009.
He made his full debut on 21 November for Crewe Alexandra in a 2–2 draw, away at Northampton Town in League Two, playing the full 90 minutes. Tootle became a regular in the first team after Dario Gradi took over for his third spell as Crewe manager. His first goal in senior football came in Crewe's 2–2 draw with Rochdale on Boxing Day 2009.
Tootle appeared in the 2012 Football League Two play-off final at Wembley, as Crewe beat Cheltenham Town 2–0 to win promotion to League One after three seasons in League Two. Less than a year later, Tootle became a winner at Wembley for the second time, playing the whole match as Crewe defeated Southend 2–0 in the 2013 Football League Trophy Final.
As Crewe battled against relegation in the 2013–14 season, Tootle replaced teammate Abdul Osman as captain of the side in March 2014. Crewe stayed up following a final-day win over Preston North End, and following Osman's departure it was decided he would continue in this role for the 2014–15 season.
Despite not featuring since October 2014 due to injury and illness, Crewe offered Tootle a contract extension at the end of the season.
Shrewsbury Town Tootle moved to Shrewsbury Town on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract on 16 June 2015. He made his debut on the opening day of the 2015–16 season against Millwall, and scored his first goal for the club in a League Cup second-round tie against Crystal Palace, but he did not feature again at first-team level following a defeat at Port Vale on 31 October. He was released from his contract one year early by mutual consent in June 2016.
Notts County On the same day that he left Shrewsbury Town, Tootle joined League Two side Notts County on a two-year contract.
He signed a new contract with Notts County at the end of the 2017–18 season.
At the end of the 2019–20 season, Tootle was released by the club.
Non-League On 25 August 2020, Tootle signed for National League North side Boston United.
In February 2025, Tootle joined Northern Premier League Division One East club Brighouse Town.
Tootle joined newly promoted Northern Counties East League Premier Division club Retford United for the 2026/27 season.
Style of play Tootle can play at either left back or right back, as well as on the wing.
Career statistics
+ Club statisticsClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsCrewe Alexandra2009–10League Two2810000002812010–11League Two39010202Appearances in Football League Trophy04402011–12League Two37010105Two appearances in Football League Trophy, three in Football League Two play-offs04402012–13League One3712000504412013–14League One4300010204602014–15League One150002110181Total199240611502243Shrewsbury Town2015–16League One160002200182Notts County2016–17League Two3323010103822017–18League Two3623010204222018–19League Two2400000002402019–20National League2000–0020Total9546020301064Chesterfield (loan)2019–20National League3000–0030Boston United2020–21National League North13000–201502021–22National League North25000–30280Total38000–50430Grantham Town2022–23NPL Division One East37341–20434Peterborough Sports2023–24National League North26300–302932024–25National League North8100–0081Total34400–30374Career total4221314110328047417
Honours Crewe Alexandra Football League Two play-offs: 2012 Football League Trophy: 2012–13
Individual Crewe Alexandra Player of the Year: 2013–14
References
External links Crewe Alexandra profile