Matt Jansen

Matthew Brooke "Matt" Jansen (born 20 October 1977) is an English footballer, who plays as a striker for Chorley and, in July 2015, became the club's manager.

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 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 is currently manager for side Chorley.

Early life

Jansen was born in Wetheral, near Carlisle, Cumbria. He supported Newcastle United as a boy. He attended Cumwhinton Primary School, Newman School and Austin Friars, Carlisle.

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 also earned his first taste of glory as Carlisle 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.