Born: Wandsworth, 6 March 1991
Nationality: Guyana
International caps: 15
International goals: 1
Position: Left back
Signed: Fulham academy, 2001
Fulham debut: Middlesbrough 3-1 Fulham, 13 May 2007
Fulham appearances: 30
Fulham goals: 1
Sold: 23 June 2014, released.
Matthew Briggs, spotted by Fulham’s scouts at the age of ten, became the Premier League’s youngest ever player when he came off the bench to feature on the final day of the 2006-07 season at Middlesbrough. Briggs held that record for twelve years before Harvey Elliott beat it – also as a Fulham substitute. The young defender’s achievement was all the more impressive as he returned to school the following day to sit his GCSEs.
Briggs made his full debut under Mark Hughes as Fulham thrashed Port Vale 6-0 in the League Cup in August 2010 and started the derby at Chelsea in November. His progress was disrupted by ankle and calf problems but Briggs began the 2011 campaign as Martin Jol’s first choice at left back, scoring his only goal for the club in the Europa League win over Crusaders at Seaview. Jol’s decision to sign John Arne Riise meant Briggs went on loan to Peterborough, Bristol City and Watford before being released in 2014. He became a full international for Guyana and is currently playing for Gosport Town – having spoken out about a lack of support off the field during his formative years with Fulham.
