Home   Sport   Article

Subscribe Now

Matt Berry-Hargreaves on facing Jude Bellingham and his path to becoming a leader at Hungerford




Matt Berry-Hargreaves knows what it takes to be successful in non-league football.

The 24-year-old centre-back has already made well over a hundred appearances for Hungerford Town, having made his debut in 2016 whilst still a teenager.

Speaking following a hotly contested friendly against Swindon Town, Berry-Hargreaves recalled memories of his time spent at the professional level and the journey which has brought him back to Bulpit Lane.

“I made my debut at 16!”, he says with pride.

“Along with a few of the other lads, I pushed my way into the First Team which was quite a big achievement for me.

“I remember scoring on my debut! They welcomed me really well.”

Matt Berry-Hargreaves in action
Matt Berry-Hargreaves in action

An early breakthrough grabbed attention, with the defender drawing interest from Football League clubs within the year.

“We played against Forest Green in the FA Youth Cup”, he says.

“We played really well. A few weeks after that, the manager said there were a few people watching.

“One of them was Bristol City, so I went on trial there.

“I had another one at Reading and Oxford as well.

“I spent weeks and weeks travelling to each of those clubs trying to pursue my dream!

“In the end, Oxford offered me a youth team contract, a two year scholarship.

“It was the first that was offered to me… I just thought, ‘I want to take the opportunity’”.

Matt Berry-Hargreaves during his time at Oxford United (Photo: Steve Daniels)
Matt Berry-Hargreaves during his time at Oxford United (Photo: Steve Daniels)
Matt Berry-Hargreaves during his time at Oxford United (Photo: Steve Daniels)
Matt Berry-Hargreaves during his time at Oxford United (Photo: Steve Daniels)

Berry-Hargreaves’ time with the Yellows is a period he speaks of highly.

“In the youth team it was an unreal experience!”, he recalls.

“You’re in and around some top professionals every day. The coaching staff are brilliant!

“Leon Blackmore-Such, Andy Whing, Chris Allen, Chris Hackett.

“It was unbelievable. The standard was just out of this world.

“We played against Jude Bellingham when he was at Birmingham.

“Shandon Baptiste in training was absolutely unbelievable. We couldn’t get the ball off him!

“The things you learn … it’s amazing!

“I finished my scholarship and luckily at the end of it I got offered a pro contract.

“That’s one of the proudest moments that I’ve ever had!

“We were more involved in the first team. We got to see what it takes to get to that level.”

Berry-Hargreaves contests a loose ball
Berry-Hargreaves contests a loose ball

2019 would bring his time at the Kassam to an end, as Berry-Hargreaves was informed that his contract would not be renewed.

“That was really difficult for me.

“Not getting a new contract .. I was a bit lost with what to do.

“I knew Hungerford from when I was young, but when I went back it was a completely different ball game!

“When you play academy football it’s more possession based.

“Here it’s more physical, it’s so quick, you don’t have much time! It was a big transition.”

Berry-Hargreaves duels with his opponent
Berry-Hargreaves duels with his opponent

It’s a challenge that the young defender rose to though, quickly adapting and cementing himself at the heart of the Crusaders’ defence.

Four seasons in the National League South followed, as he made 87 appearances and began to grow into a leadership role.

“I feel like I’ve become a leader, a good character in the changing room”, he says.

“When I started out in youth football it wasn’t something which was in me naturally.

“I’d always try to be a leader, but to do that in a dressing room of people who’ve been there and done it… it’s more difficult!

“You try and learn from the more experienced players. We had Keith Emerson, he was a great leader.

“Luke Cairney was another. You kind of pick it up from them. Take bits of what they do into your game!”

Berry-Hargreaves signing on for the 24/25 campaign
Berry-Hargreaves signing on for the 24/25 campaign

Now Berry-Hargreaves is back where it all began, the Southern League where he made his debut eight years ago, although he plans on changing that.

“Getting back to the National League South, that’s the goal.

“The gaffer’s made some unbelievable signings, some really good recruitment.

“Last season we just fell short, but the squad looks stronger than ever.

“We know we can do it.”



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More