After the deal to bring Portugal Under-21 keeper Sergio Leite to the KC Stadium unexpectedly collapsed, Boaz Myhill was the only senior keeper on the Tigers books as the 2004-05 approached.

Manager Peter Taylor moved swiftly to fill the vacancy and, after a suitably impressive performance in a pre-season friendly at Alfreton Town, Matt was rewarded with a two-year contract.

Although - as a 27 year-old - he still awaited his League debut, Matt was not unfamiliar to the surroundings of a Football League club.

He had joined Chesterfield on non-contract terms in January 1995 before moving on to Matlock Town and AlfretonTown.

A dream came true in September 1999 when he joined Sheffield United - the team he supported as a boy.

Although, he wasn't to make a senior outing for his beloved Blades, Matt did gain further recognition with a loan move to Bury.

In September 2000, the imposing keeper was persuaded by Nigel Clough to join Burton Albion and produced a string of consistent performances as the Brewers gained promotion to the Conference for the first time in 2002.

Matt made 94 appearances during his four-year spell at Eton Park and established a reputation as one of the top goalies in non-league football.

He departed for a fee of £20,000 which could increase to £60,000 depending on appearances.

Bo Myhill's consistent form meant he was largely restricted to the bench.

However, despite making a total of only four appearances, Matt nonetheless became an important member of the Tigers squad that won promotion to the Championship at the first attempt.

Matt was restricted to just 104 minutes of senior action with the Tigers in 2005-06 but gained further first team experience with loan spells at Stockport County and Wycombe Wanderers in League Two.

His contract with Hull City was extended to June 2008 in April 2006.

Matt started all 51 of the Tigers 51 games in 2006-07 on the bench, with his on-field action reduced to just 31 minutes.

Notably for a former Blade, this was due to Bo's injury during the New Year's Day win at Sheffield Wednesday.

Amid the most successful season in City's history as they reached the top flight for the first time with a fantastic Play-Off Final win at Wembley, Matt went through a veritable rollercoaster of emotions in 2007-8.

Selected ahead of Bo for the Carling Cup tie at Crewe Alexandra in August, he retained his place for the following game at Coventry City to make his first league start for 21 months.

Matt's impressive performances meant he was also selected for the next two games before he was cruelly sidelined with a thigh injury.

Much worse was to follow in January when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Thankfully, the successful removal of the tumour hastened his return to KC Stadium activities.

A mark of the esteem the fine professional is held at the club was wonderfully demonstrated upon his return in April.

He received a standing ovation for the Tigers supporters when warming-up as an unused sub in the home game against Watford.

Matt's bravery and patience paid off following the Club's promotion to the Barclays Premier League. Despite starting the season as second choice keeper, he eventually ousted Boaz Myhill to take over as number one in January. His Premier League debut included a penalty save from West Ham's Mark Noble.

MATT DUKE FACTFILE

Born: Sheffield, 16 June 1977 (not 16 July 1977, as stated by other web sites and publications).

Height: 6ft 5ins. Weight: 13st 3lbs

Career:

Chesterfield (non-contract in January 1995)
Nil appearances

Matlock Town (Free in July 1995)

Alfreton Town

Sheffield United (Free on 3 September 1999)
Nil appearances

Bury (Loan on 13 March 2000
Nil appearances

Burton Albion (Free on 8 September 2000)

Hull City (£20,000 on 23 July 2004)