Career
Longford retained it the following year, completing the double of the FAI Cup and League Cup. He was named Soccer Writers" Association of Ireland "Personality of the Year" in 2003. Mathews left in 2007, and replaced Damien Richardson as manager on 10 January 2008.
Nevertheless, on 9 December 2008, the club announced that Mathews would no longer remain as manager, citing financial constraints as the primary reason for his leaving.
After surviving examinership themselves, Drogheda United unveiled Mathews as their new manager for the 2009 Premier Division season. He guided Drogheda United to Premier Division safety in his first season but following a poor start to Drogheda"s 2010 season Mathews resigned as their manager on 17 May 2010.
Mathews made a swift return to the game on 12 July 2010 when he was announced as the new manager of his former club In the 2011 season he gained promotion with Shels and reached the 2011 FAI Cup Final.
On 10 January 2014 he was appointed manager of Bray Wanderers with Barry O"Connor as his assistant.
On 15 May 2015 Mathews was appointed as manager of Athlone Town Football Club. Player Manager.