First Team Squad
Player profile and performance records.
Matthew Upson (Defender)

Matthew Upson
SuffolkPosition: 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 AprilSo 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 AprilGave Bent the freedom of E13.
Bolton Wanderers
0-3: Saturday, 9th AprilSeemed 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 AprilComments to follow.
Tottenham Hotspur
0-0: Saturday, 19th MarchAnother immense performance from the skipper. Always seemed to be there or thereabouts when a block was needed.
Stoke City
1-2: Sunday, 13th MarchOkay, 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 MarchWas 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 FebruaryIf 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 FebruaryWas coping well with Zigic until his injury time-bomb finally exploded.
Birmingham City
1-3: Wednesday, 26th JanuaryComments to follow.
Everton
2-2: Saturday, 22nd JanuaryComments to follow.
Arsenal
0-3: Saturday, 15th JanuaryComments to follow.
Birmingham City
2-1: Tuesday, 11th JanuaryComments to follow.
Barnsley
2-0: Saturday, 8th JanuaryDid not play.
Newcastle United
0-5: Wednesday, 5th JanuaryComments to follow.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
2-0: Saturday, 1st JanuaryGood battling performance and was unlucky not to score when he hit the bar.
Everton
1-1: Tuesday, 28th DecemberComments to follow.
Fulham
3-1: Sunday, 26th DecemberComments to follow.
Blackburn Rovers
1-1: Saturday, 18th DecemberComments to follow.
Manchester City
1-3: Saturday, 11th DecemberComments to follow.
Sunderland
0-1: Sunday, 5th DecemberComments to follow.
Manchester United
4-0: Tuesday, 30th NovemberExcellent 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 NovemberGood solid performance from the skipper who rarely looked troubled.
Liverpool
0-3: Saturday, 20th NovemberComments to follow.
Blackpool
0-0: Saturday, 13th NovemberThe pick of the back four – not that there was much competition for the title this week.
West Bromwich Albion
2-2: Wednesday, 10th NovemberComments to follow.
Birmingham City
2-2: Saturday, 6th NovemberComments to follow.
Newcastle United
1-2: Saturday, 23rd OctoberWas having a torrid time which got worse with his withdrawal through injury.
Fulham
1-1: Saturday, 2nd OctoberWe 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 SeptemberBenefits 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 SeptemberBenefits 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 SeptemberLooked 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 SeptemberHis 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 AugustAlright. Fell apart for the second goal. Certainly not a leader or worthy captain.
Bolton Wanderers
1-3: Saturday, 21st AugustWas 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 AugustBooed like Green, and also looked edgy and nervous.
Deportivo La Coruna
0-0: Saturday, 7th AugustComments to follow.
Manchester City
1-1: Sunday, 9th MayA couple of well-timed tackles, not much else to report.
Fulham
2-3: Monday, 3rd MayI 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 AprilDecent 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 AprilComments to follow.
Sunderland
1-0: Saturday, 10th AprilKept Bent quiet for the most part.
Everton
2-2: Thursday, 1st AprilPlaying with a little more fire his belly - but should have been tighter to his man for both goals.
Stoke City
0-1: Saturday, 27th MarchBack 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 MarchDifficult 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 MarchFailed 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 MarchComments to follow.
Chelsea
1-4: Saturday, 13th MarchComments to follow.
Bolton Wanderers
1-2: Saturday, 6th MarchBetter than Tomkins – but not by much.
Manchester United
0-3: Tuesday, 23rd FebruaryAnother 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 FebruaryThe better of the centre backs on the day.
Hull City
3-0: Sunday, 21st FebruarySolid 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 FebruaryThe better of the centre backs on the day.
Birmingham City
2-0: Wednesday, 10th FebruaryLooked much the steadier of the two centre halves on the night.
Burnley
1-2: Saturday, 6th FebruaryPrincipally 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 JanuaryMarshalled Kalinic well while he was on the pitch.
Portsmouth
1-1: Tuesday, 26th JanuaryComments to follow.
Aston Villa
0-0: Sunday, 17th JanuaryComments to follow.
Arsenal
1-2: Sunday, 3rd JanuaryComments to follow.
Tottenham Hotspur
0-2: Monday, 28th DecemberComments to follow.
Portsmouth
2-0: Saturday, 26th DecemberComments to follow.
Chelsea
1-1: Sunday, 20th DecemberGood to see him back. On the receiving end of the officials’ incompetence.
Hull City
3-3: Saturday, 21st NovemberComments to follow.
Everton
1-2: Sunday, 8th NovemberComments to follow.
Aston Villa
2-1: Wednesday, 4th NovemberLooked happier this week, possibly as a result of having Da Costa alongside him.
Sunderland
2-2: Saturday, 31st OctoberBattled against Bent – we can be grateful that it was Bent rather than someone useful.
Arsenal
2-2: Sunday, 25th OctoberAnother who improved from a bit of a shaky start. Still not at his best though.
Stoke City
1-2: Saturday, 17th OctoberComments to follow.
Fulham
2-2: Sunday, 4th OctoberThough I thought the penalty was harsh he wasn’t at his best today.
Liverpool
2-3: Saturday, 19th SeptemberBarely lasted 20 minutes before injury.
Wigan Athletic
0-1: Saturday, 12th SeptemberSteady enough at the back as he readjusted to life alongside Tomkins.
Blackburn Rovers
0-0: Saturday, 29th AugustDid 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 AugustMight have had a clean sheet against Defoe and Keane but for Carlton’s aberration.
Tottenham Hotspur
1-2: Sunday, 23rd AugustMight have had a clean sheet against Defoe and Keane but for Carlton’s aberration.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
2-0: Saturday, 15th AugustFine 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 AugustFine performance at the back capped off with a goal. Somebody hide him behind the sofa until the window closes.
Middlesbrough
2-1: Sunday, 24th MayAnother reliable performance from the England man.
Liverpool
0-3: Saturday, 9th MayAccording 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 MayFine performance. He clearly loved every minute of the battle.
Chelsea
0-1: Saturday, 25th AprilGenerally ok though one slip might have let Anelka in during the second half.
Sunderland
2-0: Saturday, 4th AprilAnother good performance from the England man and another who could have got his name on the sheet.
West Bromwich Albion
0-0: Monday, 16th MarchWas doing ok until the calf gave out.
West Bromwich Albion
0-0: Monday, 16th MarchWas not really troubled before he was stretchered off after landing awkwardly in the 29th minute.
Bolton Wanderers
1-2: Saturday, 21st FebruaryBruising battle with Kevin Davies.
Manchester City
1-0: Saturday, 21st FebruaryFine game. Some decent defensive headers at the end.
Middlesbrough
1-1: Saturday, 14th FebruaryA poor clearance in the opening minutes led to Johnson shooting just wide. After that, he comfortable dealt with Alves.
Middlesbrough
1-1: Saturday, 14th FebruaryLooked a bit “leggy” after the runaround in Spain in midweek.
Middlesbrough
1-1: Saturday, 14th FebruaryLooked a bit “leggy” after the runaround in Spain in midweek.
Manchester United
0-1: Sunday, 8th Februarywith Collins kept Berbatov and Tevez fairly quiet.
Manchester United
0-1: Sunday, 8th FebruaryI 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 JanuaryOne lapse when Adebayor was given a free header in the second half but an otherwise impressive 90 minutes.
Arsenal
0-0: Saturday, 31st JanuaryOne lapse when Adebayor was given a free header in the second half but an otherwise impressive 90 minutes.
Arsenal
0-0: Saturday, 31st JanuaryAnother commanding performance from someone who fully deserves his place in the England squad.
Hull City
2-0: Wednesday, 28th JanuaryWas not really tested but his defensive headers were impressive and he played an important part in the second goal.
Fulham
3-1: Sunday, 18th JanuaryCommanding 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 JanuaryMade two slip ups in the match. Unfortunately they both contributed to goals.
Stoke City
2-1: Sunday, 28th DecemberThe expected aerial onslaught didn’t materialise and he coped well with what little came his way.
Stoke City
2-1: Sunday, 28th DecemberThe expected aerial onslaught didn’t materialise and he coped well with what little came his way.
Portsmouth
0-0: Saturday, 15th NovemberLooked ok against the ineffective Crouch. Defoe’s pace caused problems though.
Portsmouth
0-0: Saturday, 15th NovemberLooked ok against the ineffective Crouch. Defoe’s pace caused problems though.
Everton
1-3: Saturday, 8th NovemberWas doing ok in a largely untested defence until the injury that ended his match.
Everton
1-3: Saturday, 8th NovemberWas doing ok in a largely untested defence until the injury that ended his match.
Middlesbrough
1-1: Saturday, 1st NovemberA solid display at the back – looks more comfortable with Collins alongside.
Bolton Wanderers
1-3: Sunday, 5th OctoberHad trouble coping with Davies – though Dean’s ignorance of the laws didn’t help much.
Fulham
2-1: Sunday, 28th SeptemberAgain recovered from early confusion to put in a useful shift.
Newcastle United
3-1: Saturday, 20th SeptemberSolid would probably be the best word to describe his performance.
Newcastle United
3-1: Saturday, 20th SeptemberKept Xisco very quiet. A fairly easy afternoon really.
West Bromwich Albion
2-3: Saturday, 13th SeptemberHalf-asleep for the opening goal and too slow to catch Brunt for the match-winner.
Blackburn Rovers
4-1: Saturday, 30th AugustStrong and unforgiving - and needs to stay fit.
Blackburn Rovers
4-1: Saturday, 30th AugustA 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 AugustHis distribution was poor in the first 15 minutes but solid thereafter.
Manchester City
0-3: Sunday, 24th AugustBattled 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 AugustSeemed 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 AugustExcellent and I make him MOTM for his calmness under the aerial onslaught.
Wigan Athletic
2-1: Saturday, 16th AugustExcellent and I make him MOTM for his calmness under the aerial onslaught.
Wigan Athletic
2-1: Saturday, 16th AugustExcellent and I make him MOTM for his calmness under the aerial onslaught.
Wigan Athletic
2-1: Saturday, 16th AugustSolid. All that needs to be said really. As with Green, dealt with almost everything that was thrown at him.
Chelsea
0-4: Saturday, 1st MarchA 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 FebruaryTried to bring the ball out of defence whenever he could. One dodgy moment as mentioned above.
Birmingham City
1-1: Saturday, 9th FebruaryGot 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 FebruaryGot 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 FebruaryDid ok against the donkey-like Heskey, though again some uncertain distribution.
Liverpool
1-0: Wednesday, 30th JanuaryMr Consistent. The England call-up is well-deserved.
Liverpool
1-0: Wednesday, 30th JanuaryMr Consistent. The England call-up is well-deserved.
Manchester City
0-1: Wednesday, 16th JanuaryThe 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 JanuarySkipper for the day he turned in his usual dependable performance – after a shaky start.
Manchester City
0-0: Saturday, 5th JanuaryAfter a poor game at Arsenal, he showed his true colours yesterday.
Manchester City
0-0: Saturday, 5th JanuaryRarely beaten in the air and laid off some nice oases with his head.
Arsenal
0-2: Tuesday, 1st JanuaryNot 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 DecemberAnother 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 DecemberAnother 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 DecemberHis 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 DecemberAs 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 DecemberNot 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 DecemberGuilty 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 DecemberAlso 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 NovemberExcellent. Won a lot in the air and got in some timely interceptions. I’d give him MOTM myself.
Derby County
5-0: Saturday, 10th NovemberStrong 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 NovemberStrong 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 NovemberWas involved in the goal but still looks occasionally suspect against a big striker.
Coventry City
2-1: Tuesday, 30th OctoberDealt with the long balls well. Another competent performance.
Aston Villa
0-1: Saturday, 6th OctoberDealt 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 OctoberOne of his best performances of the season so far.
Arsenal
0-1: Friday, 28th SeptemberSome good headers but still uses his big toe for forward balls.
Middlesbrough
3-0: Saturday, 15th SeptemberClearly not quite at ease in the absence of Ferdinand with whom he has been developing a decent partnership.
Reading
3-0: Saturday, 1st SeptemberRarely troubled on the ground, but Doyle is not an easy striker to contend with. Upson thrived on the challenge.
Reading
3-0: Saturday, 1st SeptemberIs this a defensive partnership I see developing before me? Hope so. Won some important headers.
Reading
3-0: Saturday, 1st SeptemberIs this a defensive partnership I see developing before me? Hope so. Won some important headers.
Wigan Athletic
1-1: Saturday, 25th AugustHad a hard time on occasion against Agahowa having had a nice stroll in the sun alongside Sibierski.
Wigan Athletic
1-1: Saturday, 25th AugustHad a hard time on occasion against Agahowa having had a nice stroll in the sun alongside Sibierski.
Wigan Athletic
1-1: Saturday, 25th AugustUnconvinced? 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 AugustSolid enough but distribution was a bit suspect on a day when the passing was much improved.
Birmingham City
1-0: Saturday, 18th AugustSolid enough but distribution was a bit suspect on a day when the passing was much improved.
Manchester City
0-2: Saturday, 11th AugustThe 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 AugustWorryingly slow, couldn't handle Bianchi and is another who cannot pass the ball.
Manchester City
0-2: Saturday, 11th AugustThe 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 MarchAnother Neill attempt at a second debut. Looking forward to see him play for a full half.
Aston Villa
0-1: Saturday, 3rd FebruaryComments 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.