Matthew Upson

Matthew Upson is an English back. He was born on 18 April 1979 in Hartismere, England.

In 1996 Upson graduated to the main team of Luton Town after training in the academy of the club for two years. The footballer took part only in one game during his début season, but that was not disappointing for him, because London side Arsenal lodged a bid for the back. Matthew was really glad to have such an opportunity and used his chance by penning a long-term contract with ‘The Gunners’. Upson made about 30 appearances for the new club during three seasons and went on loan to Nottingham Forest in 2000, where he took part only in one game. In 2001 Matthew completed a season-long loan move to Crystal Palace and featured in seven games of the temporary club. In 2002 the footballer sealed a loan contract with Reading, where he made 14 appearances.

In 2003 Birmingham City took an interest in the back, lodged a tempting bid for him and offered Upson a lucrative contract. The deal was agreed in the summer 2003 and Matthew officially became a player of the new club, where he became one of the anchor defenders and netted five goals in 113 matches during four years.

In 2007 the footballer moved to London side West Ham United, where he performed for four years. Upson was a key centre back of the club and fired four goals in 131 games during his spell. In 2011 Matthew finalized a move to Stoke City on a long-term deal. The back came on the pitch 14 times as a starting team player and found the net one time during the 2011/2012 season. In 2013 he served for Brighton and Hove Albion on loan terms and signed a permanent deal at the end of the season. In 2014 Upson was offered to joined Leicester CIty, who got promoted to the Premier League.

From 1998 till 2000, Upson was capped 12 times and contributed one goal for the England national U-21 team. From 2003 till 2010, he took part in 21 match and went on to net two times for the full national squad.