Player Profile – Steve Burchell

Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
Outside of the club I have been a Policeman for 27 years and a dog handler for 16. (Don’t worry I am always off duty where football is concerned) I had the honour of being awarded National Police Action Dog Team of the Year last year so must be ok at my job. I also run a dog training, walking, sitting business Surrey K9 Training (Thanks for the free advertising) I am very busy with work but still arrange things to get down to football almost every week. Advice to youngsters play as long as you can because you will miss it when you get old like me! 

How did you end up at Merton FC?
I started at Merton as the team I played for folded, I still played Mid-week and decided to take up refereeing. I answered an advert for a club referee and started reffing Merton teams every week. I missed playing at the weekend and realised that the standard was still one I felt I had something to offer at (i know opinions will vary on that one!) Joined up and the rest is history 7 years later I have played for 4’s , 5’s and 6’s currently on loan from 6’s to 5’s!

What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
Best moment at Merton was walking out on the pitch in the same team as my son Ryan making his debut at 16 (ish) couldn’t have been a prouder moment and I am in awe of the fantastic young man and player he has become (much better than me and I take no credit for that) 

If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
If I could play for any team obviously the mighty SPURS would be up there (I’m used to disappointment) but I would have to say England! I would belt out the anthem and wear the shirt with pride and passion in the mould of Stuart Pearce or Terry Butcher not the prima donnas who think they are bigger than they are nowadays. Rant over!

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Pre-match routine got to be the pre-match dump! Remove excess body weight and avoid those embarrassing skid marks !

Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
Now I seem to be on permanent loan to the fives my hope for the season is that the team continue in the rich vein of form and team spirit we have and go on to win the league!

RAPID FIRE

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): Merton – Ryan Burchell 

Childhood Team: Spurs unless you count I played for Hales Hornets in little league! 

Favourite team in the UK: The mighty Spurs

Favourite team outside the UK: Barcelona (been to the stadium great set up) 

Childhood Hero: x men (cartoon version) 

Favourite Food: steak extremely well done yum 

Favourite Drink: used to be Becks lager now a nice speckled hen ! 

Favourite Band: The script but love all sorts of music !