Matt Jansen

Matthew Brooke Jansen (born 20 October 1977) is an English former professional footballer who played as a striker.

This article is about the English footballer. For other people similarly named, see Matthew Jensen.

Matt Jansen
Jansen playing for Blackburn Rovers
Personal information
Full name Matthew Brooke Jansen[1]
Date of birth (1977-10-20) 20 October 1977[1]
Place of birth Carlisle, England
Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Position(s) Striker
Youth career
1993–1995 Carlisle United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1995–1998 Carlisle United 42 (10)
1998–1999 Crystal Palace 26 (10)
1999–2006 Blackburn Rovers 153 (44)
2003 → Coventry City (loan) 9 (2)
2006 Bolton Wanderers 6 (0)
2009 Wrexham 3 (1)
2009–2010 Leigh Genesis 30 (10)
2010–2014 Chorley 36 (4)
Total 305 (81)
International career
1999–2000 England U21 6 (0)
Managerial career
2015–2018 Chorley
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

He started his career with hometown club Carlisle United, and also played for Crystal Palace, Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers as well as a loan spell with Coventry City. A goalscorer in Blackburn's League Cup victory in 2002, his career declined after a near-fatal motorcycle accident later that year. He won six England under-21 caps and was called up once to the senior national team.

After three years out of contract, Jansen went into non-league football with Wrexham, Leigh Genesis, and Chorley. He later went on to manage Chorley from 2015 to 2018.

Early life

Jansen was born in Carlisle, Cumbria.[1] He supported Newcastle United as a boy. He attended the independent Austin Friars school in Carlisle, where he played scrum-half for the school's Rugby union team, before completing his GCSEs and taking an A-level at Newman Catholic School.[2]

Football career

Carlisle United

A creative player, Jansen's career started at his home town club of Carlisle United, where he scored 10 league goals. In 1997, he was part of the Carlisle side that earned promotion to the Second Division after finishing third. During the same season he also won his first piece of silverware as he came on late in extra time at Wembley for Carlisle's win against Colchester United in the 1997 Football League Trophy Final.[3]

Crystal Palace

His performances at Carlisle had heads turning in higher leagues and he turned down the chance to join Manchester United before signing for then Premier League club Crystal Palace in 1998 for £1 million.

Blackburn Rovers

His impressive displays at Crystal Palace earned him a move to Premier League side Blackburn Rovers for £4.1 million. Jansen showed signs of things to come when he scored against Tottenham Hotspur on his debut in January 1999.[4]

Blackburn were relegated to the First Division in Jansen's first season, but he was the star of the team which won promotion back to the Premier League in the 2000–01 season,[5] finishing as the league's second top scorer, after Fulham's Louis Saha, with 23 goals. He continued to impress in the following season, scoring the first goal in Blackburn's 2–1 League Cup final victory against Tottenham Hotspur in 2002.[6] His good form led to an England call-up for the friendly game against Paraguay. However, he missed out on what would be his only International football match for his nation due to a stomach bug.

A motorcycle accident in Rome, Italy during the summer of 2002 nearly killed Jansen and long-term hospitalisation followed (he spent six days in a coma). In the seasons after the accident he struggled to regain his place in the Blackburn side which led to him being loaned to Coventry City in 2003,[7] where he scored 2 goals in 9 appearances. He made another attempt to force his way into the Blackburn team at the start of the 2004–05 season, scoring 2 goals in 8 appearances. However, it was felt that he had still not recovered mentally from the accident and was struggling to cope with the pressures of Premier League football. As a result, Blackburn decided it best for him take another break from football and sent him to visit a sports psychiatrist in the US.

In May 2005, Jansen signed a two-year 'pay as you play' contract with Blackburn, suggesting that the club was ready to give him one final chance to establish himself in the team after his injury, and he returned to action in a pre-season friendly against Morecambe in July 2005. In October 2005, Preston North End made an enquiry about Jansen, however this came to nothing.[8]

Jansen again struggled to gain a first-team place for Blackburn once the season started. The club agreed to release him from his contract on 11 January 2006.[9]

Bolton Wanderers

Two days after release by Blackburn he signed for Bolton Wanderers on a six-month contract,[10] amid interest from Everton, Manchester City and Wigan Athletic.[9] However, his stay at the Reebok Stadium was not a success and he was released in May of the same year.[11]

Out of contract

In the summer of 2006, Jansen had a trial with Los Angeles Galaxy.[12] Bolton manager Sam Allardyce invited the player back to England and he continued to train with Bolton.[13] In the summer of 2007 he returned to his original club, Carlisle United, to train in an attempt to regain his fitness.[14]

Despite developing other business interests such as property, Jansen did not rule out a return to professional football, saying in July 2008, "I'm keeping myself reasonably fit...we'll see what happens."[15]

In November 2008, Blackburn announced that Jansen would return in a casual agreement to help regain fitness in a bid to have one last go at reclaiming the promising and glittering career he once had in professional football. Having trained with the club for two months, he left Brockhall with the arrival of new manager Allardyce. Jansen was present at the club's Premier League game with Newcastle United when he also featured in a pre-recorded half-time lottery draw broadcast on the club television station as part of the half-time "entertainment".[16]

On 18 February 2009, he joined League One club Huddersfield Town on trial and was given a run-out in their reserve match against Rotherham United the same day, in which he scored the opening goal of a 2–2 draw.[17]

Wrexham
Jansen playing for Chorley in 2011

On 11 March 2009, he agreed a deal with Conference Premier club Wrexham until the end of the season,[18] scoring once against Northwich Victoria.[19]

Leigh Genesis

In the close season of 2009, Jansen joined up with former teammate Garry Flitcroft, then manager of NPL Division One North side Leigh Genesis[20] and played for them in the 2009–10 season, but when Flitcroft left to take over the reins at Leigh's rivals Chorley in May 2010, Jansen soon followed along with a number of other Genesis players.

Chorley

Jansen scored his first Chorley goal, an acrobatic scissor kick, against old club Bolton Wanderers in a 1–1 pre-season draw at Victory Park. During the 2010–11 season in the Northern Premier League Division One he played 20 league games and scored three league goals. He would also start both play-off games which led to the club's promotion to the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

Managerial career

Jansen was assistant manager when Chorley went on to win the Northern Premier League Premier Division in 2013–14.[21]

In July 2015, Jansen became Chorley's first team manager after Flitcroft's resignation due to other commitments. He guided them to 8th place in the National League North in his first season in charge, before reaching the play-off final in 2016–17, narrowly losing after extra-time to F.C. Halifax Town.[22] On 22 June 2018, he resigned from his role as manager of the club.[23]

In October 2020, he joined National League side Stockport County as Head of Recruitment and Player Liaison.[24]

International career

Jansen played six times for the England under-21 team without scoring. In 2002, he was called up by Sven-Göran Eriksson to play for the senior squad for a friendly against Paraguay,[25] but was unable to play due to a stomach infection.[26] He was also expected to go to the 2002 World Cup; he was invited to David Beckham's send-off party and had his competition suit measured, but Eriksson ultimately decided to take defender Martin Keown instead.[27]

Career statistics

Matt Jansen at the English National Football Archive (subscription required)

Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Carlisle United 1996–97 Division Three 19 1 3 0 1 0 4[lower-alpha 1] 0 27 1
1997–98 Division Two 23 9 1 0 4 3 2[lower-alpha 1] 0 30 12
Total 42 10 4 0 5 3 6 0 57 13
Crystal Palace 1997–98 Premier League 8 3 — — — 8 3
1998–99 Division One 18 7 1 0 4 0 2[lower-alpha 2] 0 25 7
Total 26 10 1 0 4 0 2 0 33 10
Blackburn Rovers 1998–99 Premier League 11 3 — — — 11 3
1999–2000 Division One 30 4 1 1 2 2 — 33 7
2000–01 Division One 40 23 6 1 2 0 — 48 24
2001–02 Premier League 35 10 3 0 5 6 — 43 16
2002–03 Premier League 7 0 2 2 3 0 1[lower-alpha 3] 0 13 2
2003–04 Premier League 19 2 0 0 0 0 2[lower-alpha 3] 1 21 3
2004–05 Premier League 7 2 0 0 1 0 — 8 2
2005–06 Premier League 4 0 0 0 1 0 — 5 0
Total 153 44 12 4 14 8 3 1 182 57
Coventry City (loan) 2002–03 Division One 9 2 — — — 9 2
Bolton Wanderers 2005–06 Premier League 6 0 1 0 — 0 0 7 0
Wrexham 2008–09[28] Conference Premier 3 1 — — — 3 1
Leigh Genesis 2009–10[29][30] Northern Premier League Division One North 30 10 1 0 — 4[lower-alpha 4] 1 35 11
Chorley 2010–11[31][32][33] Northern Premier League Division One North 20 3 0 0 — 8[lower-alpha 5] 1 28 4
2011–12[34][35][36] Northern Premier League Premier Division 4 1 0 0 — 3[lower-alpha 6] 0 7 1
2012–13[37][38] Northern Premier League Premier Division 9 0 0 0 — 2[lower-alpha 7] 0 11 0
2013–14[39] Northern Premier League Premier Division 2 0 0 0 — 2[lower-alpha 8] 0 4 0
2014–15[40] Conference North 1 0 0 0 — 0 0 1 0
Total 36 4 0 0 — 15 1 51 5
Career total 305 81 19 4 23 11 30 3 377 99
  1. Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
  2. Appearance(s) in UEFA Intertoto Cup
  3. Appearance(s) in UEFA Cup
  4. Two appearances in FA Trophy; one appearance one goal in Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy; one appearance in Northern Premier League President's Cup
  5. Three appearances one goal in FA Trophy; two appearances in Northern Premier League Challenge Cup; one appearance in Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy; two appearances in Northern Premier League Division One North play-offs
  6. One appearance in FA Trophy; one appearance in Northern Premier League Challenge Cup; one appearance in Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy
  7. One appearance in FA Trophy; one appearance in Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy
  8. One appearance in Northern Premier League Challenge Cup; one appearance in Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy

Managerial statistics
As of 10 October 2018
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record[41]
G W D L Win %
Chorley[42] 2 July 2015 22 June 2018[43] 143 62 40 41 43.36
Total 143 62 40 41 43.36

Honours

Carlisle United

Blackburn Rovers

Individual

References
  1. "Matt Jansen". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
  2. "On the Spot:Matt Jansen". 20 January 2001.
  3. Haylett, Trevor (20 April 1997). "Happy ending for Carlisle". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 12 May 2022. Retrieved 11 January 2016.
  4. "Jansen goal highlights weaknesses". The Independent. London. 1 February 1999. Archived from the original on 12 May 2022. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  5. Johnson, William (2 May 2001). "Jansen puts Blackburn back in the top flight". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 11 January 2016.
  6. "Cole strike stuns Spurs". BBC Sport. 24 February 2002. Archived from the original on 7 December 2008. Retrieved 11 January 2016.
  7. "Jansen completes Coventry move". BBC Sport. 18 February 2003. Retrieved 19 August 2011.
  8. "Preston admit interest in Jansen". BBC Sport. 5 October 2005. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  9. "Quartet show interest in Jansen". BBC Sport. 11 January 2006. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  10. "Bolton snap up free agent Jansen". BBC Sport. 13 January 2006. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  11. "Jansen heads fresh Bolton exodus". BBC Sport. 9 May 2006. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  12. Whittle, Julian (20 October 2008). "Matt Jansen rejects chance to play at LA Galaxy with David Beckham". Times & Star. Workington. Archived from the original on 5 May 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  13. Bevan, Chris (20 September 2006). "Jansen keen to keep options open". BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  14. "Blues help Jansen regain fitness". BBC Sport. 10 July 2007. Retrieved 8 September 2008.
  15. York, Gary (4 July 2008). "Matt Jansen – my life after Blackburn Rovers". Lancashire Telegraph. Blackburn. Retrieved 8 September 2008.
  16. "Blackburn boss gives Jansen hope". BBC Sport. 21 November 2008. Retrieved 21 November 2008.
  17. "Matt Jansen's on the button for Huddersfield Town". Huddersfield Daily Examiner. 19 February 2009. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  18. "Wrexham complete Jansen signing". BBC Sport. 12 March 2009. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  19. "Northwich 1–2 Wrexham". BBC Sport. 17 March 2009. Retrieved 12 January 2010.
  20. "Jansen joins non-league Genesis". BBC Sport. 18 June 2009. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  21. "Premier Division Champions, Chorley". Northern Premier League. May 2014. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  22. "Play-off final: Halifax 2 Chorley 1". Chorley Guardian. 14 May 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  23. "Shock exit for Chorley manager Matt Jansen". Lancashire Post. 22 June 2018. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
  24. https://www.stockportcounty.com/new-scouting-team-appointed/, New Scouting Team Appointed, Stockport County FC, 9 October 2020
  25. Malam, Colin (13 April 2002). "England spotlight falls on Jansen". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
  26. "Matt Jansen: I was suicidal. I kept asking 'why me?'". The Independent. 25 April 2010. Archived from the original on 12 May 2022. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
  27. "Matt Jansen: Ex-Blackburn striker on scooter accident, depression and anxiety". BBC Sport. 7 September 2019. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
  28. "Matt Jansen | Player Statistics | Wrexham (Wrexham AFC Archive)". www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  29. "Matt Jansen". LG-SA.co.uk. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  30. Cup matches:
    "Warrington Town 1 Leigh Genesis 0". Retrieved 8 October 2021.
    "Woodley Sports 2 Leigh Genesis 1". Retrieved 8 October 2021.
    "Atherstone Town 1 Leigh Genesis 3". Retrieved 8 October 2021.
    "Ashton Athletic 0 Leigh Genesis 3". Retrieved 8 October 2021.
    "Leigh Genesis 0 Redditch United 1". Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  31. "Season 2010/11". Chorley Football Club. 27 May 2012. Archived from the original on 25 November 2012.
  32. Individual match reports at:
    "Match Reports". Chorley Football Club. Archived from the original on 26 November 2012.
  33. "Chorley FC on Twitter". Twitter. 19 March 2011. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  34. "Appearances 2011/12". Chorley Football Club. 27 June 2012. Archived from the original on 26 November 2012.
  35. "Goals 2011/12". Chorley Football Club. 18 August 2012. Archived from the original on 25 November 2012.
  36. Cup matches:
    "Marine 1-0 Chorley - FAT - 22/10/2011". Archived from the original on 13 October 2015.
    "Bamber Bridge 0-4 Chorley - 13/12/2011". Archived from the original on 13 October 2015.
    "Chorley 2-3 FC United - 10/01/2012". Archived from the original on 13 October 2015.
  37. Individual match reports at:
    "Season 2012/13". Chorley Football Club. 23 May 2013. Archived from the original on 9 September 2013.
  38. "Chorley FC on Twitter". Twitter. 6 November 2012. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  39. Individual match reports at:
    "Season 2013/14". Chorley Football Club. Archived from the original on 8 September 2015.
  40. Individual match reports at:
    "Season 2014/15". Chorley Football Club. Archived from the original on 10 April 2018.
  41. "Matt Jansen Manager". Soccerbase.
  42. Wheelock, Paul (2 July 2015). "Matt Jansen takes over at Chorley after Garry Flitcroft stands down". Lancashire Telegraph. Blackburn. Retrieved 22 March 2016.
    "2015–16 Chorley FC Fixtures and Results". Chorley F.C. Retrieved 22 March 2016.
    "2016–17 Chorley FC Fixtures and Results". Chorley F.C. Retrieved 15 August 2016.
  43. "Matt Jansen resigns as manager of Chorley FC". Lancashire Telegraph.
  44. "Teams of the year". BBC Sport. 29 April 2001. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
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