Matthew Spring has played in each of the top four divisions in England during his career, having started out at Luton Town in 1997.
The cultured midfielder made over 250 appearances for the Hatters before joining Leeds United in 2004 and helped them compete in their first season back in the second-tier. However, his stay at Elland Road only lasted a year, as he joined Watford for £150,000.
He helped steer the Hornets into the Premier League, disposing of his former side Leeds 3-0 in the play-off final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. He played an integral part in their promotion, but wasn’t given a proper run in the team in the top-tier, so he subsequently returned to Championship outfit Luton in January 2007 for £200,000.
He was unable to halt their demise though, as they slipped down into League Two. In July 2008 he was reunited with his former boss at Leeds and Luton, Kevin Blackwell, when joining Sheffield United on loan, but he wasn’t offered a permanent deal in January 2009, and opted for a move to Charlton Athletic.
Now in League One, the Addicks are making a great fist of going back up at the first attempt. Matt spoke to Ransacker’s Chris Galea about the boots which he hopes will guide his new side back into the Championship.
Q. What football boots do you wear?
A. I wear Nike football boots and I have done for pretty much my entire career because they are the ones that most suit me. At the moment I’m in Nike Tiempo Legend III football boots but have varied things a bit over the years depending upon the position I have been playing in, the style of play, and even the weather.
Q. How many pairs of football boots do you tend to go through in a typical season?
A. That is a good question because I use different football boots to train in to the ones I play in on a matchday. I’d say about eight to 10 pairs.
Q. Who at the club has the naffest pair of football boots?
A. Without a doubt that award goes to Miguel Llera. He has got a pair of Jomas that are absolutely horrible. Joma make our kit and it’s decent, but I’m not sure they’re all that renowned on the boots scene yet, and if I’m honest, I definitely wouldn’t be caught wearing them! That said, he’s got massive feet, so even the nicest boots on the market would look a bit daft on him – they are black and white and they are about a size 14!
Ransacker Rated: Nike Tiempo Air Legend III
Info from the Pro
Speed - Is that me or the boot you are rating for speed? If it was me then I’d have to say 2/10, but the boot’s not too shabby in that department!
Price - They are pretty reasonable because most of them tend to be in the region of £120, whereas mine are about £70, so they aren’t too bad for price.
Other Recommended Reading
- Football Boots Review with Bristol City’s Lee Johnson
- Football Boots Review with Lee Trundle
- Boot Review – Puma King with Paul Williams
- Football Boots Review with Jimmy Ryan
- Boot Review with Grimsby Town’s Danny Boshell
About the author
It's a hard life but someone has to do it. I spend my whole life reporting on football. When I get the chance I ask the professional footballers about their boots for Boot Room Banter.
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