Homecoming for Navy star

The local Navy officer who shot to fame for appearing on the front pages of Britain’s newspapers kissing his daughter after a tour of duty, is looking forward to another homecoming on Wednesday night.

Guilsfied lad Matthew Shortt’s image in full uniform receiving a smacker on the lips from his daughter went national two years ago. He had been at sea for four months keeping sailors in shape as a physical training instructor.

But the 30-year-old is now getting ready for another trip ‘home’ tomorrow night when he plays in goal for the Royal Navy against the Royal Air Force at Shrewsbury Town Football Club's Ground.

A large contingent of friends and family from the Welshpool area are expected to attend, but will hope he does better than the last time they went to watch him at Shrewsbury.

“I was sent off early in that game so hopefully I will stay on the pitch a little longer this time around!” said Matt. “I am really looking forward to it and hope to see a few familiar faces in the crowd.”

The father-of-two joins his teammates at Lilleshall today in preparation for the start of the Armed Forces tournament which also features the Army. The match will represent Matt’s 40^th cap, and he has also been a part of the combined British Armed Forces side.

“We play the army in two weeks and the RAF play the Army next week. It is a mini-tournament each year. The RAF have won it four of the last five years and the Army won it the other. We are looking strong this year so hopefully we can pull off a shock. I am struggling with an injury at the moment but will be all strapped up ready for Wednesday night.”

The Shortt family is no stranger to the limelight. Younger sister Mel was the action girl featured in 2009’s Royal Navy television commercial. Older brother Martin is also in the navy.

The match kicks off at 7pm, with entry free.