*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 17:10, 31 March 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 10:14, 30 January 2017 (UTC)
Forster-Caskey joined Brighton's youth team in 2007. On 30 April 2010, he was offered a scholarship deal with Brighton & Hove Albion.[5] It was later revealed that Forster-Caskey rejected interest from Premier League clubs Arsenal and Aston Villa before signing with Brighton.[6]
The following day, Forster-Caskey was named as an unused substitute during the 0–0 draw away to Milton Keynes Dons.[7] After a man-of-the-match performance during the Sussex Senior Cup final, whilst scoring twice during a 4–0 victory over Bognor Regis Town,[8][9] Forster-Caskey was once again named as a substitute for Brighton's final game of the 2009–10 season against Yeovil Town.[10] During the match, he became the youngest player to feature in the Brighton first team when he made his debut as a substitute in the 76th minute.[3][11] Forster-Caskey made his second substitute appearance for Brighton during the 3–0 defeat to Stoke City in the 5th round of the FA Cup on 19 February 2011.[12] He made his full first-team debut, and scored his first Brighton goal, during the Seagulls' 3–0 win over Southampton on 2 January 2012. He scored the opening goal for Brighton, and was named Man of the Match.[13]
In his next game, Forster-Caskey again scored and received Man of the Match in an FA Cup tie with Wrexham.[14] In all, Forster-Caskey made 6 appearances during the 2011–12 season, scoring 2 goals. On 21 June 2012, Forster-Caskey signed a new deal, keeping him at the club until 2015.[15]
Oxford United (loan)
In July 2012, Forster-Caskey signed a six-month loan deal with League Two club Oxford United.[16] He scored on his debut, a 20-yard left-footed strike, in a 2–0 win over Bristol Rovers.[17] He scored his second goal on 8 September, in a 4–2 defeat at home to Exeter City. His third and final goal for Oxford came against Wimbledon, a 20-yard free kick into the top corner.[18] In total he made 16 league appearances for Oxford before his loan spell concluded on 1 January 2013.
Milton Keynes Dons (loan)
On 22 September 2015, Forster-Caskey joined Championship side Milton Keynes Dons on an initial five-week emergency loan deal.[19] On 26 September 2015 he made his debut for the club in the 1–3 home defeat to Derby County.
On 8 January 2016, Forster-Caskey rejoined the club on loan for the remainder of the 2015–16 season.[20] On 13 February 2016, he scored his first goal for the club, scoring direct from a free-kick in a 0–1 away win against Derby County.[21]
Rotherham United (loan)
He joined Rotherham United on 20 July 2016 on a season-long loan deal.[22] The deal was mutually terminated by Rotherham and parent club Brighton on 5 January 2017, after he had made seven appearances for the Millers.[23]
Charlton Athletic
On 5 January 2017, Forster-Caskey joined Charlton Athletic, signing a 2+1⁄2-year contract.[24]
He was out of the squad for most of the 2018–19 season with an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury. He was offered a new contract by Charlton at the end of the 2018–19 season.[25] He signed a new one-year contract in June 2019.[26]
On 5 July 2021, Forster-Caskey signed a new one-year deal with the club ahead of the 2021–22 season.[27]
Stevenage
On 3 January 2023, Forster-Caskey signed for League Two club Stevenage.[28][29]
International career
Forster-Caskey has represented the England under-16s, England under-17s, England under-18s and England under-20s national sides. He was announced as a member of the squad to feature in the annual Nordic under-17s tournament, commencing during August 2010. Forster-Caskey captained the England side as they recorded a 5–0 success over Finland in the first game of the tournament where he also scored his first international goal.[30] He was also involved in the FA International Tournament, where he started in a 4–0 win over Australia, before substitute appearances in the 2–2 draw against Turkey and a 3–1 victory against Portugal.
During April 2011, Forster-Caskey was announced in the 18-man squad to represent England at the 2011 UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Serbia, commencing on 3 May.[31] He made three appearances in the tournament for England before they were defeated 1–0 by Holland in the semi-final.[32]
Forster-Caskey was also selected to represent England under-17s at the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico.[33] England won their group and reached the quarter-finals, where they lost 3–2 to Germany.[34]
During October 2011, Forster-Caskey was selected for the England under-18 national side for a friendly against Slovakia,[35] where he played 45 minutes before being substituted for Jordan Lussey at half-time.[36]
During May 2014, Jake and fellow Brighton teammate Solomon March were called up to the under-21 squad for the U21 qualifier versus Wales and the 2014 Toulon Tournament.[38] Jake made his debut for the U21s coming on as a late substitute in the 3–1 victory against Wales.[39]
Personal life
Until February 2011, Forster-Caskey was simply known as Jake Caskey before altering his surname to Forster-Caskey in homage to his stepfatherNicky Forster. In a brief explanation, Forster-Caskey stated "I did it out of respect for my stepdad – because he has been a great role model and parent to me. I have lived with him for the last ten years and he has been a huge influence on me."[40]
Career statistics
As of match played 23 March 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition