 Waddington relied upon experience ; Dennis Viollet , Jackie Mudie , Roy Vernon , Maurice Setters and Jimmy McIlroy were players signed in the later stages of their careers . Matthews was awarded a knighthood for services to football in the 1965 New Year 's Honours list . This was followed by his 701st , and final , league appearance for the club against Fulham in February 1965 , shortly after his 50th birthday . It ended a career spanning 33 years , including 19 years ' service to his home town club . 
