I'll cope with Leicester City boo-boys, says Brighton's Joe Mattock
Former Leicester City star Joe Mattock insists he will not be fazed by the Blue Army "boo-boys" today.
The 21-year-old looks set to make his first start for Brighton at the Amex Stadium, just two months after receiving a hot reception from City fans when he made his debut on loan at Portsmouth.
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Joe Mattock in action for Portsmouth against City’s Jeff Schlupp last November
And he is expecting more hostility from supporters of his home-town club now he has joined the Seagulls on loan until the end of the season.
The Mattock backlash follows his acrimonious departure to West Brom three years ago.
Feelings ran so high over the transfer that Mattock was involved in a nightclub brawl in Leicester three weeks afterwards and ended up with a suspended conviction for affray.
However, Mattock, speaking ahead of this afternoon's clash, said: "I think I'm getting used to it now.
"You'll see on Saturday if I do play that there will be some boos flying around.
"But it doesn't faze me any more, I'm focused on playing my football.
"When I first played against them it played on my mind a bit.
"I know I left on bad terms but that is part and parcel of football.
"Also, the fans don't know what really goes on in the background. All they see is the club they love and players leaving them for what I suppose they see as no reason."
"I don't blame them but, like I said, it doesn't affect me any more. He added: "If I do play against them on Saturday, that is going to be no real problem for me.
"If anything, it will push me more."
Mattock says he has also settled his differences with Nigel Pearson, who was in charge at City when he left and is now their manager again. Pearson was angered when the former England under-21 international handed in a transfer request while on duty with his country abroad.
Mattock said: "I think we've all moved on now. I have spoken to him since and we are all okay now but obviously the fans don't see everything."
Mattock was a product of the City academy who broke into the first team in 2007 and made 66 appearances.
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by Patrick4939
Sunday, February 05 2012, 4:11PM
“TheGeoffLane
I only mention Nish because he too was a local product. I saw Stan many times , hard he was but not classy and not a local product . He was immortalised by David Parkinson in his columns when hard defenders were discussed.Now we play "hard men" who kick prone opponents and leave the teamshort.”
by clagnutt
Sunday, February 05 2012, 1:19PM
“norman 09 , problem was , he wasn't a loser was he , he won , 3 pts was his !”
by Norman09
Saturday, February 04 2012, 8:51PM
“Joe WHO he's history!!!
I wouldn't waste to much time writing about a looser.”
by Yorkfox
Saturday, February 04 2012, 1:25PM
“We are at Brighton today with what 3500 travelling fans?
If he is still concerned with the reception from that number of away fans he will be aware of the snub he gave us, just as we are aware of the treading water his career has gone through since he left us.
He is young and was advised by agents and looking back he may now have some regrets. Joe it was your choice, you hurt us when you left, but as far as I am concerned you are still an LCFC product from the academy and I would not boo you or any academy player now in a different coloured shirt.”
by Jani88
Saturday, February 04 2012, 12:23PM
“The last 4 game, we won 3 and have draw 1, that is good going. More of the same will help us get to where we need to be.”
by TheGeofflane
Saturday, February 04 2012, 12:14PM
“Patrick 4939, I liked what you wrote, But David Nish, lovely footballer, only ended up at left-back 'cos he was too slow to catch a train. Best, and hardest, left-back City have ever had was Stan Milburn. Yes, one of the Milburn/Charlton dynasty. Harder than the coal they all mined. Real players stay with the club that raised them. As Mr. Mattock is now finding out.”
by foxfan1
Saturday, February 04 2012, 12:00PM
“Robbie Savage destroyed every ball (& player) he kicked in a Foxes shirt, by kissing the Birmingham badge in front of our own fans after scoring against us. You did the same by publicly stating that we weren't good enough for your ambitions....small town club?....more like immature small minded player!”
by foxfan1
Saturday, February 04 2012, 11:53AM
“I think the fact that "our Joe" at the age of 21 has had more clubs than Jack Nicklaus tells us something. Theres a saying in life Joe, 'if the grass looks greener on the other side, water your grass'. If you'd have followed that when your career was in the ascendency with the Foxes, you might not ne clocking up more miles than an HGV driver, going from club to club!
Soccer fans have memories like elephants....the true legends have all got warm receptions when returning, even when playing for the opposition, but in life, you reap what you sow...ask Robbie Savage, Joe!”
by Patrick4939
Saturday, February 04 2012, 11:45AM
“In all fairness things came a bit to soon as he played a mature game for us.
Like so many before him he thought he was the finished product at 19 and had a pocket full of money. The game is littered with top youth internationals who never got any further.
Anyone who has sons has seen and heard it all.
Lets move on and leave him to think what might have been. Maybe another Nish but then he was never that good.”
by TheGeofflane
Saturday, February 04 2012, 11:23AM
“Joe Mattock conceded a pen. in the last minute, playing for Portsmouth v. City. Should have been our winning goal, but yet another ref. 'wasn't sure'. Now this journeyman left-back who might have made a player if he could stay out of fights turns up at Brighton on his long, slow journey down the leagues. What goes around, Joe, comes around. You sold yourself to West Brom. But we got the money.”