Matthew Upson

Matthew Upson

Matthew James Upson (born 18 April 1979) is an English footballer who plays for Stoke City in the Premier League. He is a central defender and he has played for England at full international level including at the 2010 World Cup.

Upson started his career with Bedfordshire club Luton Town before he joined Premiership side Arsenal for a fee of £2 million in May 1997. Upson struggled to force his way into the first team at Highbury making 57 appearances in 6 seasons and also spent time out on loan at Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Reading.

Upson joined Birmingham City in 2003 where he enjoyed regular first team football. However following Birmingham's relegation in 2006 he went on to join West Ham United for £7.5 million in January 2007. He was made captain in 2009 following the departure of Lucas Neill. At the end of the 2010–11 West Ham were relegated to the Championship and Upson left after his contract had expired. Upson signed a two year contract with Stoke City in August 2011.