Academy graduate Matthew Briggs signed a contract extension with Fulham FC on Tuesday afternoon and the England U19 captain spoke of his delight at having secured his long term future with the Club following a number of impressive performances for the First Team this season.
“I’m really pleased,” Briggs told fulhamfc.com. “I’ve been at Fulham since I was ten years old. I was offered the contract last week and we’ve been doing a medical. It was a case of getting that sorted and then signing on the dotted line.”
Briggs made history back in 2007 when he became the youngest Premier League player in history, making his senior debut at the tender age of 16 years and 65 days against Middlesbrough. Briggs admits his memories of his debut at the Riverside are somewhat hazy but his recent start in the West London derby at Stamford Bridge was a moment he truly savoured.
“I vaguely remember my debut against Middlesbrough to be honest,” Briggs explained. “I remember being told to warm up and getting butterflies in my stomach – I just couldn’t wait to get on.
“I thought I was going to be in the squad a bit more the following season after making my debut against Middlesbrough, but it wasn’t to be. It’s been a bit frustrating with different managers, having to prove myself again and again.
“Since Mark Hughes has arrived I’ve pushed my foot through the door a little bit. If Mark Hughes likes you as a player and you’re performing well in training then he will play you and starting against Chelsea was a great experience for me. Playing against the likes of Kalou and Drogba was a great test for me.”
Briggs' spell in the First Team was brought to a shuddering halt at the Emirates in early December when injury forced him from the field of play. Briggs has needed much patience in recent months but now the defender is injury free and looking forward to a bright future at the Cottage.
“It was against Arsenal that I got a problem in both calves. The muscles swelled up and there wasn’t a lot of room for them to move together, so I had to have an operation to release the pressure in both calves. That prevented me from running or doing anything for a while. It was gutting for me but the Manager told me it was one of those things and to keep my head up and get the problem sorted out.
“I’m hoping to get back in the match day squad again before the end of the season and get a few games. I’ve had a few set-backs along the way with injuries but that will make me stronger in the long run.”