Club Career
After being scouted by Fulham at the age of eight after a performance for his Sunday league side, Briggs signed for Fulham. He attracted interest from Premier League teams such as Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. Although Briggs is primarily a left back, he can play at centre back or as a left winger.
On 13 May 2007, he made his first team debut for Fulham in the 3–1 defeat against Middlesbrough, coming on as a 77th minute substitute for Moritz Volz. This appearance made him the Premier League's youngest ever player, being 16 years and 65 days old. He surpassed Everton striker James Vaughan's record by 206 days.
In January 2010, he joined Leyton Orient on a one month loan.
On 25 August 2010 he made his first start of the 2010–11 season for Fulham, playing 56 minutes of a 6–0 win over Port Vale in the League Cup. He was described as "impressive" in the game. During this game he was credited with an assist for the first goal which Zoltán Gera headed in from eight yards. He made his first Premier League start on 10 November 2010 against Chelsea only through injury to first choice left back Carlos Salcido, before later playing against Arsenal. After the Arsenal match, Briggs had an operation on both his legs which took him out of action for 8 weeks.
Briggs scored his first goal for Fulham in a Europa League match against Crusaders on 14 July 2011.
On 7 February 2012 after requesting more first team football from manager Martin Jol, Briggs signed a one month loan deal with Peterborough United.
On 25 August 2012 after speculation about a loan move away from Craven Cottage, Briggs started away against Manchester United. Despite losing 3–2, Briggs left with his head held high after he put in a solid performance against the in form Antonio Valencia. In the 64th minute Briggs contributed to Fulham's 2nd goal of the game after some good wing play and a deadly ball between 3 players, resulting in an own goal by Vidic.
On 26 October 2012, he joined Bristol City on a month-long loan deal. He made his debut the following day, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–1 loss to Hull City at Ashton Gate.
Read more about this topic: Matthew Briggs
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