On Sunday 13 May 2007, Fulham manager Lawrie Sanchez gave one of the most exciting prospects in English football the chance to make a name for himself.
In the 77th minute against Middlesbrough, a fresh faced Matthew Briggs would come on as a substitute at the tender age of 16 years and 65 days.
Over 29,000 people at The Riverside chanted "Who are ya! Who are ya!" as he entered the fray that day.
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But that didn't matter. Briggs had become the youngest player ever to play in the Premier League, beating the previous record held by former England international Aaron Lennon.
Nobody could take that away from him.
It was an unforgettable weekend for the teenage sensation, but reality soon hit when he arrived at school the next day.
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Imagine the scenes. From studying your GCSE's one week to being chased in the corridors to sign autographs the next, it was all a little strange, to say the least:
"It was a dream come true to be in that Fulham squad, especially at such a young age." he told SPORTbible.
"I barely even slept the night before because I was so excited to run on a pitch in front of thousands, but when I made history it was an amazing feeling."
"When the second half kicked off, I was sat on the bench counting down the minutes and my stomach was in knots.
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"I eventually came on for Moritz Volz and all I could hear was the song: "Who are ya! Who are ya!"
"I just wanted to show them who I really was. I just kept passing and moving in that brief 20 minute appearance. I don't think I gave the ball away once actually.
"Going back to school the day after, everyone was like 'oh my god' you've played in the Premiership."
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Briggs would go on to make twelve more top flight appearances for Fulham, earning international caps at U16 and U18 level before establishing himself at the European Championship in 2009.
It would be at this tournament in Ukraine where some of the biggest clubs in world football would follow his progress:
"At one point, my boyhood club Manchester United were interested and so were Bayern Munich." he told us.
"The interest came after the U19 European Championships when I was playing with the likes of Kyle Walker, Danny Welbeck, and Henri Lansbury, to name a few.
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"We didn't win the competition but I had a great tournament. That's when Manchester United and Bayern Munich came knocking. I wanted to go to United. It was my dream to play for them.
"But Fulham wouldn't let me leave. They asked for silly amounts of money they knew United wouldn't give for a player without much experience. It was the same situation with Bayern.
"It felt amazing to know that high calibre teams like United and Bayern wanted me. It meant I was doing something right."
Briggs was certainly making a name for himself on the pitch and a result, two of the biggest clubs in Europe were interested in his signature.
But behind the scenes, the young full-back was struggling with a number of issues:
"I had struggles and I made mistakes." he confesses. "I lost my Nan, who I was very close too in 2009, two years after making my debut. That hit me like a ton of bricks.
"I didn't know what to do. As the man of the house I felt that I had to be strong for my family but I didn't morn her properly.
"I had just turned 18 as well which meant I started going to night clubs and drinking alcohol.
"Looking back I think it just took away the pain. I took my eye off the ball and stopped working as hard.
"I started living off the fact I was the youngest Premier League player and felt entitled. I felt like I was owed something. That was my biggest mistake.
"In fact, it was a combination of a number of different things. Having too much money to soon, while grieving, along with not having the the right support system around me."
Three years after the highs of making his debut in front of thousands at The Riverside, Briggs would be sent on loan to Leyton Orient, Peterborough, Bristol City and Watford.
But injury, among other factors, were detrimental to his development.
In his final loan spell at the end of the 2013/14 season, Fulham were relegated from the Premier League and Briggs was released from his contract after spending 13 years with the club.
He would later play for Championship side Millwall for a season before spending time in League One and League Two with Colchester United, Chesterfield and Barnet.
The 28-year-old now plays for Isthmian League Division One North side Maldon & Tiptree after a spell working on a building site.
But it's clear that Briggs is enjoying his football again in the eighth tier of English football, as he stars for Guyana at the CONCACAF Gold Cup:
"It humbles you playing for a non-league side. It brings you back down to earth. You just get to enjoy it, like when you were a kid." he said.
"To be honest it has made me a stronger person mentally and I've been able to learn from my mistakes.
"That's why I'm doing the documentary journey of discovery to help young players."
Briggs is currently starring in the series: Matthew Briggs: A Journey Of Discovery, a fascinating insight into his career by journalist and broadcaster Adam Leventhal.
The documentary, which is available to watch on YouTube, includes a range of subjects. From bad decisions on the pitch and off it, to a lack of mentors and role models, mental health issues and more.
There are also insights from some of those who played a part in his life, including former Fulham manager Lawrie Sanchez and former reserve team manager Ray Lewington.
So what advice would Briggs give a young player who has a huge amount of expectation on their shoulders?
"Never stop working hard and never become too complacent because someone is always watching you, whether you are on the pitch or in the gym. Conduct yourself away from the club and listen." he told SPORTbible.
"I'm not saying you can't go out or, you can't have fun but do it in moderation."
He continued, saying: "Also save your money. I know it's hard being around first team players with big cars and nice watches, and as soon as you get that big contract that will be the first thing you will want to do.
"I have been there. Pulling into the first team car park in my Fiat Punto, parking next to a Range Rover or a Lamborghini.
"The first thing I did was buy a nice car but trust me, those around you will respect you more for worrying and focusing on your football rather than on what car you drive.
"Learn your trade and all the rewards will come after.
"Enjoy the moment but don't let it get to your head. This is only the beginning. There's much more work to be done, but if you are struggling ask for help because if you don't, it will only get worse.
"Remember hard work pays off; hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."
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To watch the first episode of Matthew Briggs: A Journey of Discovery, click HERE.
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