8 Things Sunderland Fans Need To Know About Adam Matthews

8. He Was Rejected By Swansea As A Child (For Breaking His Arm)

Matthews grew up in Swansea, excelling at both football and rugby from a young age. He chose the former and was taken on trial with Swansea FC, but was let go after breaking his arm. He was told to try again once he had recovered, only to be later told that there was no room in the club's youth team. This early setback demonstrates Matthews' will to succeed, bouncing back from disappointment and injury at such a young age. His early interest in rugby proves that the Welshman possesses the speed and positional awareness of an all-around sportsman, invaluable qualities in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the Premier League.