Mathew Anthony Hudson (born 29 July 1998) is an English professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for club Oldham Athletic. He started his career at Preston North End in 2015, and has had loan spells at Bury and Bamber Bridge.
Early life Hudson was born in Southport.
Son to Gary Hudson
Career Having come through the club's academy, Hudson first appeared on the bench for Preston North End in early 2015 in an FA Cup fourth-round tie against Sheffield United, and made his professional debut aged 17 as a replacement for future England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford who was sent off in the 30th minute of a 1–0 away defeat at Leeds United on 20 December 2015. Leeds scored the only goal of the game through an Alan Browne own goal in the 46th minute, while Pickford's red card was later rescinded. Hudson signed his first professional contract in January 2016, with the deal lasting 18 months and having the option for a further year. He won Preston's scholar of the year award for the 2015–16 season.
He did not make a first-team appearance during the 2016–17 or 2017–18 seasons, but agreed a new two-year deal with the club in June 2018, and joined League Two side Bury on loan until January the following month. He made his debut for the club on 4 September 2020 in a defeat away to Rochdale in the EFL Trophy, and made a total of four appearances for Bury, all of which coming in the EFL Trophy.
With Hudson contract set to expire in summer 2020, it was extended by two years in June 2020. On 23 October 2020, he joined Bamber Bridge on loan alongside teammate Adam O'Reilly, until 28 November 2020. He made his debut for the club the following day in a 2–1 defeat at home to Bamber Bridge. Hudson was released at the end of his contract in June 2022.
Oldham Athletic In December 2022, Hudson joined National League club Oldham Athletic following a spell with Buxton.
On 20 June 2025, after Oldham were promoted to League Two, the club announced the player had signed a new three-year deal. An impressive first season back in the Football League saw Hudson named in the League Two Team of the Season for the 2025–26 season. He was also named in the PFA League Two Team of the Year on 25 August 2026 at the PFA Awards 2026.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupEFL CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsPreston North End2015–16Championship10000000102016–17Championship00000000002017–18Championship00000000002018–19Championship00000000002019–20Championship00000000002020–21Championship0000000000Total1000000010Bury (loan)2018–19League Two0000004040Total0000004040Bamber Bridge (loan)2020-21Northern Premier Division3000001040Total3000001040Buxton2022-23National League North0000000000Total0000000000Oldham Athletic2022–23National League40000000402023–24National League4401000004502024–25National League3502000304002025–26League Two460201000490Total12905010301380Career total13305010801470
Honours Oldham Athletic National League play-offs: 2025
Individual EFL League Two Team of the Season: 2025–26 PFA Team of the Year: 2025–26 League Two
References