FROM THE PREMIER LEAGUE TO DRUGS, ALCOHOL & SUICIDE | Perspectives
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- čas přidán 8. 05. 2024
- In May 2007, Matthew Briggs made history becoming the youngest Premier League player ever. He was 16 years & 68 days old when he came off the bench for Fulham.
He was one of England’s most exciting young players, but things did not go to plan. The pressure of making his debut so young got the better of him and his career began to spiral.
He gives us his perspective on what happened. The mistakes he made and the truth behind what it’s like to be a Premier League footballer. Learning from his own experiences, Matthew is now dedicated to helping the next generation of young players.
Listen to this interview on...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/2UGO...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...
Timestamps:
00:00 - 01:32 - Intro
01:32 - 02:05 - Growing up in Wandsworth
02:05 - 02:18 - What was it like growing up?
02:18 - 02:54 - Playing for Fulham
02:54 - 03:28 - What happened after Fulham?
03:28 - 04:37 - The Premier League Debut
04:37 - 05:47 - What happened after the Debut?
05:47 - 06:30 - Did you starting getting attention in the football industry?
06:30 - 07:10 - What were the negatives of getting your debut at 16?
07:10 - 08:17 - Can you tell us about the clubs coming in for you?
08:17 - 09:55 - What happened next?
09:55 - 10:34 - What do you think you needed at that point that you didn't have?
10:34 - 11:41 - Were you a victim of price inflation?
11:41 - 12:01 - When did you start seeing money?
12:01 - 13:00 - How did that impact you?
13:00 - 14:14 - Did you ever had a party phase as a premier league footballer?
14:14 - 15:13 - Can you take us through the journey from Fulham from this point?
15:13 - 16:15 - Loans not working out
16:15 - 17:51 - Playing vs Arsenal and getting injured
17:51 - 18:36 - What happened after injury?
18:36 - 19:25 - What happened in the four years?
19:25 - 20:33 - Are you still in contact with your old mangers?
20:33 - 22:01 - Can you tell us more about the termination of the contract?
22:01 - 23:07 - Clint Dempsey Training Story
23:07 - 25:51 - Funny training stories
25:51 - 26:24 - Who was the main man and have they gone on to where they should have?
26:24 - 29:15 - What happened at Millwall?
29:15 - 35:49 - It's clear your career didn't go as it should have. What are your thoughts on that?
35:49 - 38:24 - Getting back into Football
38:24 - 39:09 - Do you think players can be more open these days?
39:09 - 40:34 - Darker side of Football
40:34 - 41:33 - Record finally being broken
41:33 - 42:32 - Did you contact Harvey Elliot?
42:32 - 43:12 - Thought on the football industry?
43:12 - 44:36 - Did you make any mistakes in your career?
44:36 - 45:11 - If your boys wanted to play professional football how would you tackle that?
45:11 - 45:59 - If you could change one thing about the football industry what would it be?
45:59 - 47:06 - Do you think you would have responded to your older self when you were younger?
47:06 - 48:43 - Why did you decide to retire from football?
48:43 - 49:24 - How can we raise awareness of the PFA
49:24 - 50:30 - What advice do you have for young players?
50:30 - 52:34 - Where is Matthew Briggs now?
52:34 - 53:01 - Questions from Matt & Outro
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Who would you guys like to see us interview next? 👀👇
Nile Ranger
@@AfzalHusseinGood shout
Nile Ranger
Mario Balotelli
Neil Shipperly he showed flahes of briliance
Thanks Briggsy! This story really resonated with me. I never made it near your level, but I was at a championship club at a young age and the pressure and expectations made me lose my love of the game. I was also suffering in silence, I remember telling my parents that I wanted to die. I took a year or so out of football completely. Stopped watching, playing. But after that long break, I started to play again for fun, watch for fun. I think football as a career isn't for everyone. It's way way more than just talent and hard work. You have to be so resilient to these pressures. You have to be able to perform at such a high level every single game or your place in the team comes into question. I wouldn't want to be a footballer personally, I just don't have the mentality for it. But I absolutely love the game now, I love watching it and playing it too.
I also learnt my "why", and it's not to win. It's to play well and enjoy it. It's to score goals, get assists, play nice passes, do something intelligent and creative on the pitch like a nice through-ball. I don't care if I lose, as long as I play well (and I want the team to play well too).
Underrated comment
Sorry to hear about your struggles with football. Glad to hear that you found your way back to enjoying it. As you said football is a very tough career and can be so difficult for some. Matthew opening up will hopefully help others. As well as your comment, football may not be the career for everyone. Most importantly we want people to understand that no matter what there is always someone there. No matter what you are going through. Thank you so much for your comment bro, hope it may help others
That's awesome mate. Well done! I agree with your comments. Something similar happened to me. I believe you need a strong support network around you and without it you're struggle. That's what happened to me anyway. Best of luck for the future.
Guildford
sorry to hear your story. wish I had half your talent to even play semi pro, as I loved the idea of playing so much, just never had the talent (and opportunity to learn).
Also, I wouldn’t say you didn’t come near Mathew’s talent. You made it to championship. Ok prem is next level but still… you were still in the top 1% of footballers, not the 1% of the 1%, but still bloody good
Brilliant interview - he comes across really well, glad it wasn’t all doom and gloom and he still managed to have a career and play internationally. Quality stuff.
True, still had a good career , that many would dream of 🙏🏾
I'd love to see you interview Sam Hucthinson - retired at Chelsea, battled back, became a Wednesday legend. Strong metal health advocate.
Matthew .... you are a credit to your Mum and to your family but most of all to yourself. Not many people could come out the other side shinning the way you do. Yours is a life story not just a footballers story . You have inspired me and I am 50 years old and never played professional football ! God bless you and your family especially your Mum !
Well said!!
Big up urself Briggzy coming with the realness for us glad u got to go back to football and even more gassed u now helping others especially young men in football. Keep doing u bro my youngest 7 yrs old training with Fulham Godwilling we have the honour of bucking into u one day. God bless u and keep doing ur thing. Rising ballers keep inspiring with these great interviews helping others better their lives 💯
Couldn’t have said it better tbh! Big up to you and your Son as well, hope it all goes well! Glad you like the content, plenty more interviews to come 🙏🏾
@RisingBallers big Big love family, man appreciate that 🙏🏽 💯
This video has the most detailed list of time stamps I have ever seen 🙂 Kudos to you for putting this together in the description
Such an incredible interview and huge credit to Matthew Briggs. Wish you all the best!
Thanks for the Interview Briggsy, I really admire your resilience and fight to come back, I tried pro mma and the pressure became too much, I now just train mma but it was a long way back, Briggsy big up your chest bruv 💪🏻
Another painful reminder that , in this experience we call life, luck matters- a lot .
Can’t lie it’s true 👊🏾
Great interview, brutally honest about the dark side of the game. I can relate, not to his level but lower league, I came through at Leyton Orient, school boy, 2 year apprenticeship then pro. Back then there was no support for young players, no one to talk to about mental health problems or anything. Clubs would just release you with out a care and no support system. So great to see clubs are doing a lot more now for young players, so bringing in lads like Matthew to mentor young lads is a great idea. People only see the highs of football, the money the fame but it can be a cruel and lonely game too. I wished I had someone like him around me when I was a young pro at Orient. Hopefully more clubs can take this approach and have support for young lads struggling 👍👍👍
Hands down 1 off the best interviews I've seen 👌🙌🙌
Respect. You seem to see things clearly now. the future is bright for you mate. your experience will help others and be your strength.
Hats off to Matthew, using his past to help better the future of others it’s very honourable and commendable! Wish him all the best for the future
Yeah very class man and inspiring 👊🏾
Extremely good interview. Such an amazing man. Educated and knows all the ups and downs. A great post. Thanks
Love this sort of interviews
Thank you, many more to come 🙏🏾
Real talk
Yes same here. Such a shame for him, had the weight of the world on his shoulders too young and to suffer mental health through it at such a young age is beyond belief. I really feel for him, I have suffered through Anxiety and depression for a while now and it’s life changing, it makes you feel like you have also lost your ability. I wish him all the best in life 🙏
great interview.. glad you did it. be proud
Very very true 👊🏾
As a Fulham fan, loved Briggzy, I wanted him to stay with us. Haaaaated Felix Magath and that short period he was with us. Great interview!! It’s nice to hear his side of things!
Me too, he always played good for us and had real talent. What a humble kind soul and gentleman he is and he has a gift of being a person that makes others relaxed and can relate to them which gives those young players confidence in him to be able to speak to him and he listens and thinks and has life experience. Well done Fulham, he is perfect for this and can only benefit the youngsters massively.
Great player and great human, glad you enjoyed the interview
Fair play Matthew, really honest and very articulate, any youngsters just starting out on the game will be lucky to have counsel with yourself, having been on that journey, and starting so young, really good watch, will definitely keep an eye out for your book as well, thank you 👍
Proper interview ! Mentors are defo needed , keep shining the light
Agree, mentors are crucial, would argue possibly one of the most needed in the academy system for sure, what do you think?
@@RisingBallers 100000 percent agree , you guys should start a program & push for it ! #IBELIEVE ❤️👑
The most important thing for a young lad is having his father around, unfortunately this isn’t the case for A LOT of black kids. Stats don’t lie so don’t get angry about facts. I’m white and I grew up without my father since my puberty (12) and I went off the rails a lot, wouldn’t listen to my mom, teachers or any authorities. This wouldn’t have happened (to some degree) if I still had my dad around, at least according to a lot of research this is the case especially with young boys.
Great honest podcast, seems a really decent bloke, good luck to him in the future
Well done, great interview. Comes across really well
Fascinating story, and a really honest account from a genuine man. I really hope Matthew's story can help other players in a similar situation. His family (especially his uncle) deserve a medal.
Couldn't agree more
Great interview and good luck with the rest of your footballing career! 👍🏻
Wow, fantastic interview. Thoroughly interesting listening to talk about his life story. Really engaging guy.
Great interview, wish the lad all the best
Brilliant watch and listen. Matt fantastic your using your experience to give back to young people, came across very humble. My lad is 10 at everton, going to pass on your knowledge to him, thanks mate
Appreciate the commenting yeah love that he is giving back to young people, think this is so so important. Wishing your lad all the best in the future
I just loved listening to him. Interesting story and well told!
Wow, what a story! I'm a Football fan, but to my shame I'd never heard of Matthew Briggs!
He spoke so naturally and eloquently.
Thank you Matthew. I hope you're doing ok now 💚⚽
Thank you for your frankness here, fella. A lot of clubs & schools would do well to recommend or show this conversation. Part way through before you said that you had had the good fortune to find a way back, l was thinking what a good coach or asset you would be at a club. The fact that you have become a mentor is excellent. 🙏
Absolutely thank you so much for your comment
as a Palace fan can relate sadly to Roy not playing youngsters. a huge gripe by most of our supporters
Great interview, need more stories like this to show younger lads that the hard work can never stop
Definitely, we aim to keep dropping them for sure. Who would you want to see next?
@@RisingBallers Nile Ranger and Ravel Morrison for sure!
Brilliant interview. He speaks so well.
Really enjoyed hearing his story. Very interesting and well spoken, shows so many small mistakes can truly change the trajectory of our lives. Glad he turned things around and is sharing his story to help generations to come
What a great lad he is, honest, talented and not afraid to admit his mistakes, I wish him all the best in his future 👍
This guy comes across very well, extremely likeable and warm. Good luck to him.
One of the best series on CZcams
Thank you, more to come 🙏🏾
What a fantastic honest interview and I think you are right about clubs having a mentor there for the players it should be an absolute PRIORITY
The very best of luck to you for the future 👍👍👏👏👏
Appreciate the comment mate, yeah Mentors would be an amazing addition to all football league clubs for sure
Your parents should be your mentors.
Great film . Well done for making this 👍🏻🏴
Thank you, appreciate the comment 👊🏾
If you not from tiktok like this comment ❤❤
Who give a shite
I’m from insta 😂😂
I’m from Bebo
I’m from MySpace
CZcams all day
Super happy for this guy. Seems like a friendly, good hearted bloke which can effect you in pressure situations. Just wanted to play football for the passion and then struggled with the insecurities and vices that come with the culture of it. I’m proud of your journey brother, this ended up a happy story. Those few moments along the road where he became himself again and felt true pride for where he was are so much more valuable than even he could comprehend. Of course he made some errors, as kids do, as young adults do. His heart was too gold for the chaos that came along with it and obviously had struggles but doesn’t seem like he tried to be anyone but himself. Gotta give it him for showing character and offering advice to the younger fellas. Take care legend
We really appreciate comments like this, thank you
Brilliant interview guys 😊💪
Thank you appreciate the support bro 🙏🏾
Blessings upon blessings brother 🤞🏾🤞🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💞💞
Interview Jordan Ibe
That is good way to be honest
Would love to get him on 🙏🏾
What a waste of talent he was the best young player since John Barnes.
wow what became of him? i’ll google
him. he was good for liverpool at one poijt
Top guy. Comes across excellently.
Great interview. Respect for bro's honesty
yeah very honest and open interview for sure
Am so glad I come across dis on insta, I relate a lot with ur story maté especially where u cut off family n friends cos you are so down, but had a audocity to come back n go again fr ur life, inspire me to keep going again n again
Appreciate your comment, yeah just keep persevering , never give up. You got this bro
Damn. Monumental interview. This is such great advice for anyone in any situation. Really can be applied to life in general. The world would benefit from more mentors. The importance of hearing from someone who has “been there” before that can relate. Be a guide. Nothing is worse than feeling alone and not being unable to talk to someone. The “tough guy” image is crap. The healthy minded individual image is key. 🔑 Big ups to Briggsy
What a guy, what an interview
Well rounded young man, best of luck Matthew.
Top bloke. Happy to see he’s found peace in his life
Wow what a fantastic story and fantastic young man. I remember his debut like it was yesterday. In the end you have ended up a football success Matt ..congratulations
Fantastic guy and really glad to hear the story end well. Head should be held very high - it takes so much strength to pick yourself up after such setbacks.
Awesome interview. Well done
Appreciate the comment, thanks
Very enjoyable insight he achieved a lot and still will in his life comes across as a nice bloke good luck with the mentoring at Fulham and elsewhere
such a great insight. briggs just needed guidance and a mentorship with him.
Was a rising footballer back then before disruptions, injuries and a general lack of direction and guidance ended my hopes of playing professionally. Definitely hard not to stay bitter at my circumstances after all those years of dedication; these days I'm playing football at a lower level but very much more enjoyable. Kudos to Matt for sharing his story and guiding the next generation of footballers - only wished I had someone like him around back then.
What about getting an education??
@@alexanders4911 Getting started on my post grad that’s totally irrelevant from football if that’s what ya wondering 🙂
I enjoyed this interview
These are amazing .
Thank you, more to come for sure
As a Fulham fan for over 40 years you were always rated mate, proper sad you had a bad experience with Magath, saying that he sounded like a proper looney after he left all the stories came out about him. Proud you are back at the club, and hope to bump into you at a game some day. Cheers!
Appreciate the comment. What a player he is. Wishing him the best for sure and hopefully it all goes well
Impressive and thoughtful man - going to be an excellent mentor.
He was a talented boy, saw him play for Fulham and was at the Millwall game when he scored and got a red card. This highlights how young players need guidance. Good luck with the next chapter Matthew 👍
Thanks for your comment, certainly agree that young players need more guidance for sure 🙏🏾
Always liked Martin Jol in interviews and stuff so glad to hear he was actually a good bloke.
Massive respect to you Matthew . Well done
👊🏾
You are an amazing role model❤
What a video perspective player going through personal life and the way it effects the football career
Very great guest, and plenty more to come 🙏🏾
None of these lads are taught the importance of “Patience”
I think there's a lot more at play here that affected him. Sounds like self-doubt, performance anxiety/pressure, too much on his shoulders. Not everyone has the mental abilities to deal with challenges like this, and especially considering he was a child who appears to have had limited guidance.
among several other important factors....to reduce it to patience is rather reductively unfair or......
Don't think it's fair to say that unless been in that position yourself...
Too much too young
Or about "Parasites"!
In a generation where socialmedia is a very big thing i think every athlete could benefit from therapie! Especially players like yourself at the time who bursted very young on the scene
Remember watching u down the King Power for Watford. I’m happy you’re doing better nowadays god bless brother all the best ❤
Appreciate the comment, like you said , glad he is doing better now for sure 🙌🏾
Sad story. Articulate and well spoken. Best of luck bro.
Appreciate your comment 🙏🏾
Sounds like a good dude and well done for persevering and overcoming those obstacles!! He kinda reminds me of how Rio speaks lol. Watching this interview really made me think of Rashford, maybe there's something deep happening with him and it's unknown to the public😅. I have scrutinised Rashford hard!!!!! But maybe just maybe he needs help. Anyhow, great interview and well done with the honesty, hopefully young players see this testimonial and gain some type of game 😊
Kalergi kids
🔥 Real talk.
Nicely done 👌🏿
Thank you 🙌
Lovely lad, glad his life has worked out well and not a horror story
Most people know me as a football fantatic who knows about football but i have to say i have never heard of this lad
Fantastic interview, such a shame how some great footballers careers end up.
Praying for young Yamal 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Excited to see his career pan out. Hopefully it all goes well for him for sure 🙌🏾
a very beautiful interveiw
Thank you appreciate the support bro
I was reading recently that less than 1% of academy players will make it to play just one minute of a PL game. That stat blew me away. The pressure must be so immense on these young lads.
awesome story
!
respect to this guy
Walked out of 3 clubs with no mentoring around my mother didn't help or understand either. Great interview know exactly what he has been through.
Sorry to hear this bro. Think it's important to tell players stories and show football is not all just highs, there can be some real lows. Hope everyone gets through it all
great guy. from a newcastle fan.
Compartment syndrome is nasty and very painful,i had it....but luckily escaped the need for surgery,But was on crutches for a couple of months-aswell as regular treatment to help me thru it
It happens to best of us walk with your head held high at least you have to memory’s just try and be happy now 💯🆙
Love this comment, couldn’t have said it better 👊🏾
I hope I can get a job helping people like this respect to u
He speaks a lot of sense.
I struggled with the exact same issue with the tightening of the lower leg muscles. Assumed it was to do with lack of blood flow, restricted amount of oxygen getting to the muscles. It used to ease up a bit when I came out for the second half of games so it was all about getting through that first half. It was horrible though. Not only could you not run as the shins and lower calves felt like cement but I couldn't strike a ball properly either as like Briggsy says, I couldn't move my foot up and down when needed. Horrible thing to have when trying to play semi-pro, nevermind having that whilst trying to play in the Premier league. Feel for the lad as I know how much my footy struggled because of it. 🙏
This guy is real his been through alot man
Yeah, very honest and open interview. Hope to bring more soon for sure
Very articulate and thoughtful guy. Great interview
Wow, compartment syndrome in the calves?? That is crazy it would appear out of nowhere. Usually its gradual. I've had them in my shins and I know the pain.
mentor to youths , big man......great character
Definitely need more mentors at clubs for sure. Hopefully an initiative we see soon
Good on you briggsy 💯
Excellent
she sounds like my mum. Poor kid, they need to update how they treat these young guys, especially the ones without a dad present. United have lost a few good players for the same reasons
would say have pride in whatever direction you go in, whether it’s football, building profession, accounting and all
Agreed for sure 👌
This mentoring thing sounds great and it shouldn't only be in football , would be great in schools (like he's doing)
A credit to hes family. 🙏✝️
I know an ex premier football player, he has been through the same issues, mainly due to having the stardom of being in the limelight, gambling took over him due to money he could throw away as it was only next week he got paid, he could drink more as he had more, he bought a 500 grand house on mortgage back in the early 90s. It was the attention what he loved only by getting used to it. Then gambling caused an issue so did beer and it lead into a massive mental health issue due to the fact he had gone under. Easy as that when you have money what you never dreamt of. Back street bookies big gamblers go to. As normal bookies won't take your money as you get banned or it flags up. Cut the story short he misses the feeling of strangers showing interest like he had in the days of old. I must admit I do agree it must be hard losing that buzz. I think he would be a good choice for your interview. Get in touch and see if he would give an interview
This guy was born on the same day as me. Sad story. I also had a schoolmate with the same name.