First Team Squad

Player profile and performance records.

Matthew Upson (Defender)

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Matthew Upson

 Suffolk
Squad Number: 15
Position: Defender
Born: 18th Apr 1979 (Suffolk)
Signed: 31st Jan 2007 (£6,000,000)
Contract: 4½ years
Previous Club: Birmingham

KUMB Awards: Player of the Year (runner up) 2008/09, (third place) 2007/08; Most Improved Player (third place) 2007/08; Worst Signing 2006/07; Worst Player of the Year 2010/11.

Matthew Upson finally joined the Hammers four years after he was first linked with the club during the reign of Glenn Roeder.

He became Alan Curbishley's sixth and final signing of the January 2007 transfer window, moving to East London for a ??6m switch (with a further ??1.5m to follow depending upon appearances) from Championship outfit Birmingham City - much to the chagrin of Blues manager Steve Bruce who was hugely disappointed that his board sold the player against his wishes.

Upson began his career with Luton Town before he moved to Arsenal in a ??2m deal in 1997. After making just 28 starts in six years he left the Gunners to join Birmingham City for a giveaway ??1m.

Upson so impressed during his first year in the Midlands that he was called up for England the following year, and he went on to represent his country seven times before Birmingham were relegated to the Championship at the end of the 2005/06 season.

After bids of ??4m and ??6m were rejected by the Blues, Alan Curbishley finally got his man at the third time of asking on transfer deadline day.

 

Matthew Upson is yet play any matches this season.

Matthew Upson did not play for West Ham during this season.

Matthew Upson did not play for West Ham during this season.

Matthew Upson did not play for West Ham during this season.

Matthew Upson did not play for West Ham during this season.

Matthew Upson did not play for West Ham during this season.

Matthew Upson did not play for West Ham during this season.

Matthew Upson did not play for West Ham during this season.

Matthew Upson did not play for West Ham during this season.

Matthew Upson did not play for West Ham during this season.

Manchester City

1-2: Saturday, 23rd April

So Captain Fantastic suffers another 'injury.' While I didn't fully see what happened, I fail to see how he can be running the pitch one minute and running off when he is substituted while he is 'injured'.

Aston Villa

1-2: Saturday, 16th April

Gave Bent the freedom of E13.

Bolton Wanderers

0-3: Saturday, 9th April

Seemed to have waved the white flag prior to the game's commencement. Loose for the first, absent for the second.

Manchester United

2-4: Saturday, 2nd April

Comments to follow.

Tottenham Hotspur

0-0: Saturday, 19th March

Another immense performance from the skipper. Always seemed to be there or thereabouts when a block was needed.

Stoke City

1-2: Sunday, 13th March

Okay, he was clearly fouled for the first goal - but should a player with Upson's experience allow himself to be shoved aside?

Stoke City

3-0: Saturday, 5th March

Was it the same medic who said who said he was out for the season that did Ba’s up at Stoke? Kept the forward line quiet and one tackle in the second half was so well-timed they re-adjusted Big Ben as a result.

Liverpool

3-1: Sunday, 27th February

If that’s him playing with injury let’s give him a good kicking! An excellent performance with the bonus of the fact that Tomkins always seems more comfortable alongside him.

Birmingham City

0-1: Sunday, 6th February

Was coping well with Zigic until his injury time-bomb finally exploded.

Birmingham City

1-3: Wednesday, 26th January

Comments to follow.

Everton

2-2: Saturday, 22nd January

Comments to follow.

Arsenal

0-3: Saturday, 15th January

Comments to follow.

Birmingham City

2-1: Tuesday, 11th January

Comments to follow.

Barnsley

2-0: Saturday, 8th January

Did not play.

Newcastle United

0-5: Wednesday, 5th January

Comments to follow.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

2-0: Saturday, 1st January

Good battling performance and was unlucky not to score when he hit the bar.

Everton

1-1: Tuesday, 28th December

Comments to follow.

Fulham

3-1: Sunday, 26th December

Comments to follow.

Blackburn Rovers

1-1: Saturday, 18th December

Comments to follow.

Manchester City

1-3: Saturday, 11th December

Comments to follow.

Sunderland

0-1: Sunday, 5th December

Comments to follow.

Manchester United

4-0: Tuesday, 30th November

Excellent from the skipper who, alongside his younger sidekick, kept the opposition front line quiet for much of the match.

Wigan Athletic

3-1: Saturday, 27th November

Good solid performance from the skipper who rarely looked troubled.

Liverpool

0-3: Saturday, 20th November

Comments to follow.

Blackpool

0-0: Saturday, 13th November

The pick of the back four – not that there was much competition for the title this week.

West Bromwich Albion

2-2: Wednesday, 10th November

Comments to follow.

Birmingham City

2-2: Saturday, 6th November

Comments to follow.

Newcastle United

1-2: Saturday, 23rd October

Was having a torrid time which got worse with his withdrawal through injury.

Fulham

1-1: Saturday, 2nd October

We were debating the destination of the MOTM award post-match. Upson got my vote but it was a close run thing.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-0: Sunday, 26th September

Benefits immesurably from having a strong partner alongside him. Like Da Costa. I believe that Grant may have, at last, settled upon our best central defensive pairing.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-0: Sunday, 26th September

Benefits immesurably from having a strong partner alongside him. Like Da Costa. I believe that Grant may have, at last, settled upon our best central defensive pairing.

Stoke City

1-1: Saturday, 18th September

Looked solid, stood up well to Jones and never really made any errors. Showed some decent leadership qualities and looked comfortable next to Da Costa.

Chelsea

1-3: Saturday, 11th September

His horrible panicky clearance was partly responsible for the horror goal. Still it makes a change for him to actually be genuinely responsible for a goal with Terry on the pitch.

Manchester United

0-3: Saturday, 28th August

Alright. Fell apart for the second goal. Certainly not a leader or worthy captain.

Bolton Wanderers

1-3: Saturday, 21st August

Was coping well with Davies' arm until he got that kick in the face which didn't happen and therefore couldn't possibly have broken his nose.

Aston Villa

0-3: Saturday, 14th August

Booed like Green, and also looked edgy and nervous.

Deportivo La Coruna

0-0: Saturday, 7th August

Comments to follow.

Manchester City

1-1: Sunday, 9th May

A couple of well-timed tackles, not much else to report.

Fulham

2-3: Monday, 3rd May

I have a vague memory of him putting a first half header over. There again most of my memories of this match are vague.

Wigan Athletic

3-2: Saturday, 24th April

Decent match. Seen geeing everyone up with clenched fists a-plenty throughout the game. Has he finally worked out what that armband is for?

Liverpool

0-3: Monday, 19th April

Comments to follow.

Sunderland

1-0: Saturday, 10th April

Kept Bent quiet for the most part.

Everton

2-2: Thursday, 1st April

Playing with a little more fire his belly - but should have been tighter to his man for both goals.

Stoke City

0-1: Saturday, 27th March

Back to his best, a complete contrast to recent outings. Almost entirely unbeaten in the air (even if he was mugged for the goal).

Wolverhampton Wanderers

1-3: Tuesday, 23rd March

Difficult to see what he actually does to justify the symbolic armband. A long way from the beating heart of the team that West Ham expects of its captain, and a pretty lamentable performance in general.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

1-3: Tuesday, 23rd March

Failed to win a single header in the opening twenty minutes and failed to have a quiet word with Tomkins when his mistake led to the first goal. Not a captain's performance.

Arsenal

0-2: Saturday, 20th March

Comments to follow.

Chelsea

1-4: Saturday, 13th March

Comments to follow.

Bolton Wanderers

1-2: Saturday, 6th March

Better than Tomkins – but not by much.

Manchester United

0-3: Tuesday, 23rd February

Another disappointing performance from the club captain who should have scored late on and was guilty of playing Owen onside for the final goal.

Hull City

3-0: Sunday, 21st February

The better of the centre backs on the day.

Hull City

3-0: Sunday, 21st February

Solid display from the England centre back who is starting to find some form again after a few sloppy displays.

Hull City

3-0: Sunday, 21st February

The better of the centre backs on the day.

Birmingham City

2-0: Wednesday, 10th February

Looked much the steadier of the two centre halves on the night.

Burnley

1-2: Saturday, 6th February

Principally at fault for the monumental cock-up that resulted in Burnley’s first goal. Apart from that, looked assured and comfortable, but it’s the one moment of madness amidst the 90 minutes that ends up costing you a game.

Blackburn Rovers

0-0: Saturday, 30th January

Marshalled Kalinic well while he was on the pitch.

Portsmouth

1-1: Tuesday, 26th January

Comments to follow.

Aston Villa

0-0: Sunday, 17th January

Comments to follow.

Arsenal

1-2: Sunday, 3rd January

Comments to follow.

Tottenham Hotspur

0-2: Monday, 28th December

Comments to follow.

Portsmouth

2-0: Saturday, 26th December

Comments to follow.

Chelsea

1-1: Sunday, 20th December

Good to see him back. On the receiving end of the officials’ incompetence.

Hull City

3-3: Saturday, 21st November

Comments to follow.

Everton

1-2: Sunday, 8th November

Comments to follow.

Aston Villa

2-1: Wednesday, 4th November

Looked happier this week, possibly as a result of having Da Costa alongside him.

Sunderland

2-2: Saturday, 31st October

Battled against Bent – we can be grateful that it was Bent rather than someone useful.

Arsenal

2-2: Sunday, 25th October

Another who improved from a bit of a shaky start. Still not at his best though.

Stoke City

1-2: Saturday, 17th October

Comments to follow.

Fulham

2-2: Sunday, 4th October

Though I thought the penalty was harsh he wasn’t at his best today.

Liverpool

2-3: Saturday, 19th September

Barely lasted 20 minutes before injury.

Wigan Athletic

0-1: Saturday, 12th September

Steady enough at the back as he readjusted to life alongside Tomkins.

Blackburn Rovers

0-0: Saturday, 29th August

Did a good job keeping Roberts contained.

Millwall

3-1: Tuesday, 25th August

(Replaced Cole, 109 mins) Steadied the ship for the final few minutes.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-2: Sunday, 23rd August

Might have had a clean sheet against Defoe and Keane but for Carlton’s aberration.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-2: Sunday, 23rd August

Might have had a clean sheet against Defoe and Keane but for Carlton’s aberration.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

2-0: Saturday, 15th August

Fine performance at the back capped off with a goal. Somebody hide him behind the sofa until the window closes.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

2-0: Saturday, 15th August

Fine performance at the back capped off with a goal. Somebody hide him behind the sofa until the window closes.

Middlesbrough

2-1: Sunday, 24th May

Another reliable performance from the England man.

Liverpool

0-3: Saturday, 9th May

According to the ladies I sit near, the highlight of his match was his having to change shorts. Me? Having my view of the incident blocked by Ges Steinbergs was slightly the lesser of two evils.

Stoke City

1-0: Saturday, 2nd May

Fine performance. He clearly loved every minute of the battle.

Chelsea

0-1: Saturday, 25th April

Generally ok though one slip might have let Anelka in during the second half.

Sunderland

2-0: Saturday, 4th April

Another good performance from the England man and another who could have got his name on the sheet.

West Bromwich Albion

0-0: Monday, 16th March

Was doing ok until the calf gave out.

West Bromwich Albion

0-0: Monday, 16th March

Was not really troubled before he was stretchered off after landing awkwardly in the 29th minute.

Bolton Wanderers

1-2: Saturday, 21st February

Bruising battle with Kevin Davies.

Manchester City

1-0: Saturday, 21st February

Fine game. Some decent defensive headers at the end.

Middlesbrough

1-1: Saturday, 14th February

A poor clearance in the opening minutes led to Johnson shooting just wide. After that, he comfortable dealt with Alves.

Middlesbrough

1-1: Saturday, 14th February

Looked a bit “leggy” after the runaround in Spain in midweek.

Middlesbrough

1-1: Saturday, 14th February

Looked a bit “leggy” after the runaround in Spain in midweek.

Manchester United

0-1: Sunday, 8th February

with Collins kept Berbatov and Tevez fairly quiet.

Manchester United

0-1: Sunday, 8th February

I can’t remember Berbatov getting a kick. He’d better stay safe on England duty – our record isn’t great in that respect.

Arsenal

0-0: Saturday, 31st January

One lapse when Adebayor was given a free header in the second half but an otherwise impressive 90 minutes.

Arsenal

0-0: Saturday, 31st January

One lapse when Adebayor was given a free header in the second half but an otherwise impressive 90 minutes.

Arsenal

0-0: Saturday, 31st January

Another commanding performance from someone who fully deserves his place in the England squad.

Hull City

2-0: Wednesday, 28th January

Was not really tested but his defensive headers were impressive and he played an important part in the second goal.

Fulham

3-1: Sunday, 18th January

Commanding performance from this talented player. Hopefully, he will not be tempted to join a team playing in the Champions League.

Newcastle United

2-2: Saturday, 10th January

Made two slip ups in the match. Unfortunately they both contributed to goals.

Stoke City

2-1: Sunday, 28th December

The expected aerial onslaught didn’t materialise and he coped well with what little came his way.

Stoke City

2-1: Sunday, 28th December

The expected aerial onslaught didn’t materialise and he coped well with what little came his way.

Portsmouth

0-0: Saturday, 15th November

Looked ok against the ineffective Crouch. Defoe’s pace caused problems though.

Portsmouth

0-0: Saturday, 15th November

Looked ok against the ineffective Crouch. Defoe’s pace caused problems though.

Everton

1-3: Saturday, 8th November

Was doing ok in a largely untested defence until the injury that ended his match.

Everton

1-3: Saturday, 8th November

Was doing ok in a largely untested defence until the injury that ended his match.

Middlesbrough

1-1: Saturday, 1st November

A solid display at the back – looks more comfortable with Collins alongside.

Bolton Wanderers

1-3: Sunday, 5th October

Had trouble coping with Davies – though Dean’s ignorance of the laws didn’t help much.

Fulham

2-1: Sunday, 28th September

Again recovered from early confusion to put in a useful shift.

Newcastle United

3-1: Saturday, 20th September

Solid would probably be the best word to describe his performance.

Newcastle United

3-1: Saturday, 20th September

Kept Xisco very quiet. A fairly easy afternoon really.

West Bromwich Albion

2-3: Saturday, 13th September

Half-asleep for the opening goal and too slow to catch Brunt for the match-winner.

Blackburn Rovers

4-1: Saturday, 30th August

Strong and unforgiving - and needs to stay fit.

Blackburn Rovers

4-1: Saturday, 30th August

A good solid performance that’ll see him have a nice holiday in Barcelona and Zagreb whilst the inferior Terry will somehow be skippering the national side.

Macclesfield Town

4-1: Wednesday, 27th August

His distribution was poor in the first 15 minutes but solid thereafter.

Manchester City

0-3: Sunday, 24th August

Battled well but clearances from crosses on our right left a lot to be desired – see first goal for details.

Manchester City

0-3: Sunday, 24th August

Seemed pretty solid in the first half, less so second half. Poor performance by full-backs let whole defence down.

Wigan Athletic

2-1: Saturday, 16th August

Excellent and I make him MOTM for his calmness under the aerial onslaught.

Wigan Athletic

2-1: Saturday, 16th August

Excellent and I make him MOTM for his calmness under the aerial onslaught.

Wigan Athletic

2-1: Saturday, 16th August

Excellent and I make him MOTM for his calmness under the aerial onslaught.

Wigan Athletic

2-1: Saturday, 16th August

Solid. All that needs to be said really. As with Green, dealt with almost everything that was thrown at him.

Chelsea

0-4: Saturday, 1st March

A rare off day – though he dealt with Anelka quite well at times generally reducing the sulk to throwing himself to the floor at every challenge.

Fulham

1-0: Saturday, 23rd February

Tried to bring the ball out of defence whenever he could. One dodgy moment as mentioned above.

Birmingham City

1-1: Saturday, 9th February

Got caught a bit too tight on Forssell the one time the striker didn’t dive but otherwise another good run-out.

Birmingham City

1-1: Saturday, 9th February

Got caught a bit too tight on Forssell the one time the striker didn’t dive but otherwise another good run-out.

Wigan Athletic

1-0: Saturday, 2nd February

Did ok against the donkey-like Heskey, though again some uncertain distribution.

Liverpool

1-0: Wednesday, 30th January

Mr Consistent. The England call-up is well-deserved.

Liverpool

1-0: Wednesday, 30th January

Mr Consistent. The England call-up is well-deserved.

Manchester City

0-1: Wednesday, 16th January

The same applies as Ferdinand, the pair of them capable of forging a really strong partnership if injuries allow it to happen.

Fulham

2-1: Saturday, 12th January

Skipper for the day he turned in his usual dependable performance – after a shaky start.

Manchester City

0-0: Saturday, 5th January

After a poor game at Arsenal, he showed his true colours yesterday.

Manchester City

0-0: Saturday, 5th January

Rarely beaten in the air and laid off some nice oases with his head.

Arsenal

0-2: Tuesday, 1st January

Not as assured as of late – probably a function of having to cope with yet another change of partner at the back. Caught out for the first goal especially.

Manchester United

2-1: Saturday, 29th December

Another stormer from the defender who couldn’t get out of bed without injuring himself eleven months ago. If anyone deserved a goal it was him.

Manchester United

2-1: Saturday, 29th December

Another stormer from the defender who couldn’t get out of bed without injuring himself eleven months ago. If anyone deserved a goal it was him.

Manchester United

2-1: Saturday, 29th December

His first goal for the club, and what a time to get it. More importantly he was again outstanding at the back- against the best attack in the country.

Reading

1-1: Wednesday, 26th December

As a defender he is hard to beat thanks to his anticipation, but the long punts up field can become frustrating.

Everton

0-2: Saturday, 15th December

Not his usual steady self. A few headers went astray and he clearly misses Gabbidon – can you see the theme developing here?

Everton

0-2: Saturday, 15th December

Guilty too often of the long ball syndrome, but perhaps can be excused due to lack of options. However losing Yakubu in the box was inexcusable, as was his part in the second goal.

Chelsea

0-1: Saturday, 1st December

Also outstanding. Kept Drogba pretty quiet and I think he just shaded Gabbidon for MOTM for me but it was a damned close thing.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-1: Saturday, 24th November

Excellent. Won a lot in the air and got in some timely interceptions. I’d give him MOTM myself.

Derby County

5-0: Saturday, 10th November

Strong at the back and was unlucky not to score when he probably caught Solano’s corner a bit too well. Is it me or with that beard does he look like David Cross from a distance?

Derby County

5-0: Saturday, 10th November

Strong at the back and was unlucky not to score when he probably caught Solano’s corner a bit too well. Is it me or with that beard does he look like David Cross from a distance?

Bolton Wanderers

1-1: Sunday, 4th November

Was involved in the goal but still looks occasionally suspect against a big striker.

Coventry City

2-1: Tuesday, 30th October

Dealt with the long balls well. Another competent performance.

Aston Villa

0-1: Saturday, 6th October

Dealt with most things well, but was occasionally beaten to the ball by smaller players. Needs to work hard in training this week.

Aston Villa

0-1: Saturday, 6th October

One of his best performances of the season so far.

Arsenal

0-1: Friday, 28th September

Some good headers but still uses his big toe for forward balls.

Middlesbrough

3-0: Saturday, 15th September

Clearly not quite at ease in the absence of Ferdinand with whom he has been developing a decent partnership.

Reading

3-0: Saturday, 1st September

Rarely troubled on the ground, but Doyle is not an easy striker to contend with. Upson thrived on the challenge.

Reading

3-0: Saturday, 1st September

Is this a defensive partnership I see developing before me? Hope so. Won some important headers.

Reading

3-0: Saturday, 1st September

Is this a defensive partnership I see developing before me? Hope so. Won some important headers.

Wigan Athletic

1-1: Saturday, 25th August

Had a hard time on occasion against Agahowa having had a nice stroll in the sun alongside Sibierski.

Wigan Athletic

1-1: Saturday, 25th August

Had a hard time on occasion against Agahowa having had a nice stroll in the sun alongside Sibierski.

Wigan Athletic

1-1: Saturday, 25th August

Unconvinced? I suspect we all are. Fine if the ball is in the air but less confident when faced with pace.

Birmingham City

1-0: Saturday, 18th August

Solid enough but distribution was a bit suspect on a day when the passing was much improved.

Birmingham City

1-0: Saturday, 18th August

Solid enough but distribution was a bit suspect on a day when the passing was much improved.

Manchester City

0-2: Saturday, 11th August

The total lack of challenge for the first goal was par for the course. Won a few headers that invariably landed at the feet of the opposition.

Manchester City

0-2: Saturday, 11th August

Worryingly slow, couldn't handle Bianchi and is another who cannot pass the ball.

Manchester City

0-2: Saturday, 11th August

The total lack of challenge for the first goal was par for the course. Won a few headers that invariably landed at the feet of the opposition.

Tottenham Hotspur

3-4: Sunday, 4th March

Another Neill attempt at a second debut. Looking forward to see him play for a full half.

Aston Villa

0-1: Saturday, 3rd February

Comments to follow.
Matthew Upson did not play for West Ham during this season.

Matthew Upson did not play for West Ham during this season.

Matthew Upson did not play for West Ham during this season.

Matthew Upson did not play for West Ham during this season.

Matthew Upson did not play for West Ham during this season.

Matthew Upson did not play for West Ham during this season.

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