Month: September 2016
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NAME: Gabriel Draghici
TEAM: 2s
POSITION: RB, RWB, RM
BIRTH DATE: 03.04.1989
BIRTH PLACE: Bucharest, Romania
PREVIOUS CLUBS: St Martin
Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I like playing sports (I like to get involved in activities – not a fun of watching football or any other sports). I like to eat healthy in general but also I will enjoy a burger from time to time, is not the end of the world… I am working for a construction company as a CAD designer. Most of the time produce architectural drawings. Not very interesting spent most of the day behind computers but it is a way of earning some money… Quit hard bit to describe my self – in general I will let others to describe me… I will say I’m a laid back person
How did you end up at Merton FC?
– My ex team start losing players so that makes me looking for a change. Follow Joseph S. to a training session and there we are…
What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
As I am new to the team I don’t have many moments but I felt I had a good game one the first match with MFC.
If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Well probably I will dream to play next to Ramos but for now I’m happy to play for MFC.
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
No pre-match rituals or superstitions…
Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
To get back on shape step by step – achieve playing 90 min with no difficulties… than I will fix a new target.
RAPID FIRE:
Player of the season (so far): -N/a
Childhood Team: -n/a
Favourite team in the UK: none
Favourite team outside the UK: I will say none but probably I will choose Real
Madrid…
Childhood Hero: Superman / Mutant Ninja Turtles
Favourite Food: In general not fussy but I rather prefer chicken
Favourite Drink: Corona
Favourite Band: Not particularly a favorite one
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NAME: Luke Newman
TEAM: 5s
POSITION: Played them all at some stage, I have no clue anymore. Wherever Clive wants me, he has me.
BIRTH DATE: 27/12/1992
BIRTH PLACE: Kingston [UK]
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Kew Association, Old Westminster Citz
Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I work with councilors at Surrey County Council, and enjoy my work, which probably makes me a little dull. I play football 4 times a week now, as to try and avoid a social life; however I do always seem to end up going out on a Friday somehow.
How did you end up at Merton FC?
My old club, OWC folded. Merton is my local club, therefore an obvious choice. I came initially to try it out; after a few games with Merton 5s I felt very comfortable and haven’t looked back since!
What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
Minus pre-season, I still have not scored for Merton, so it can’t be that. The double header victory of last season, and our only 2 wins of last season, stands out as the best moment. I look forward to more of those this season.
If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Definitely Fulham. In the next 10 years I hope we will get promoted, to experience that with the team I support would be great.
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
As a deep lie-in midfielder, I find getting there on time is usually a good omen.
Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
Promotion with the 5s. More goals then own goals this season, or at the very least, equal on 0. Stop Darren from shaving any hair off my body.
RAPID FIRE:
Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): Not started yet!
Childhood Team: Wimbledon FC
Favourite team in the UK: Fulham
Favourite team outside the UK: FC Copenhagen
Childhood Hero: Can’t think of any!
Favourite Food: Pizza
Favourite Drink: Hobgoblin
Favourite Band: Steel Panther
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This season sees the return of ‘The Merton Way’ newsletter, player profiles and Team sheet. These will be emailed out to all members and will be on the website. Click on the pages to view these, the team sheet will be on the Fixtures page. We hope you enjoy the read.
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NAME: Iain Evans
TEAM: 2nd/3rds
POSITION: Right back / Midfield
BIRTH DATE: 22.07.82
BIRTH PLACE: Lincoln
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Loads, I’ve played in Australia, New Zealand and Canada
Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
As of friday i will be unemployed!, so any job offers are more than welcome. I’m a quiet bloke off the pitch but can get a little vocal on it.
How did you end up at Merton FC?
Google, i was looking for a local team and Merton was one of the closest to me.
What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
Turning up at the wrong ground and having to walk 5 miles to get to the right pitch.
If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Lincoln City FC, its my local club
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Not really, I do lay all my kit out on the bed before i put it in my bag as i have a tendency to forget shin pads, spare pants etc.
Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
I just want to enjoy the games, have a laugh and win as many as possible.
RAPID FIRE:
Player of the season (so far): Everyone i have played with has played well and I’m terrible with names!
Childhood Team: Lincoln City
Favourite team in the UK: Lincoln City
Favourite team outside the UK: Portland Timbers (MLS)
Childhood Hero: Eric Cantona
Favourite Food: Pizza
Favourite Drink: Cherry Coke
Favourite Band: John Butler Trio
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NAME: Joseph Squires
TEAM: Merton FC 2s / 3s
POSITION: forward
BIRTH DATE: 28/01/89
BIRTH PLACE: Stourbridge, West Midlands
PREVIOUS CLUBS: University Futsal 3 years, Guildford Futsal 1.5 years, ST Martins 0.256985 years
Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I work as a Quantity Surveyor for a commercial fit out company. I graduated from Plymouth university in 2014 where I studied Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture. I played futsal there which I loved although I’m not particularly skillful it was the tempo I enjoyed. I’ve lived in London for just over 2 years now and I’m enjoying the lifestyle of having something to do whenever you like! Not enjoying the sweaty tubes especially in September. I enjoy going to festivals/music gigs (this year I went to Boomtown and SW4), watersports like surfing, sailing and spearfishing when I go to the coast, getting home for 6pm to watch the chase on ITV+1 among other random adventures. I would describe myself as enthusiastic about pretty much anything. I’m not a fussy eater although I don’t really like quiche (cold eggy pastry??). I’m easy going and spontaneous off the pitch. Negative: I get hangry if I don’t have my snickers (Mars bar).
How did you end up at Merton FC?
I asked my Pal how he found his team Clapham Old Boys and he said he found it on gum tree so I looked on gum tree and found the advert for Merton FC. So in short, Gumtree.
What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
Best = scoring my first goal, left foot 😉 Funniest = see latest 3s match report for funny moment with man Vs approaching football and wet surface.
If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Leicester City because I would say the atmosphere there is incredible and there are no big egos or divas prancing about and Jamie Vardy is a king.
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
First I wax my legs, usually with Veet but if I’ve run out I will just wet shave them. Then I eat a whole pack of chewit extreme sour apple in one go. Then I listen to Slade. Then I get changed…. Just kidding, I don’t have any.
Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
Make some great mates, play enjoyable football, score goals and win games.
RAPID FIRE:
Player of the season (so far): The refs son who plays left wing. (insert name please)
Childhood Team: Aston Villaaaaa (don’t start)
Favourite team in the UK: Merton FC weheyy
Favourite team outside the UK: France? I don’t have a favourite club really I’m pretty neutral as a spectator I just want to watch exciting high quality football.
Childhood Hero: my old man
Favourite Food: chinese
Favourite Drink: London pride or any ale or G&T if I’m feeling fruity
Favourite Band: Arctic Monkeys
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NAME: Frankie Kalogirou
TEAM: Merton 3’s
POSITION: Winger/Striker
BIRTH DATE: 19/08/1989
BIRTH PLACE: Kingston Upon Thames
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Weirside Rangers, Old Sheen Grammarians and Hersham FC
Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I work in account management for a software company who supply financial management systems. I would describe myself as an active individual who enjoys going to concerts, festivals and sporting events.
How did you end up at Merton FC?
I answered a gumtree advert last season for the 3’s who were looking for a goalkeeper for the last few games of the season, although not an out and out goalkeeper I’ve played there before so thought it would be a good chance to get back into it.
What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
Probably being given DOD for swinging a leg at a simple free kick that was bobbling towards goal.
If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Probably Tottenham Hotspur, as my childhood team it’s always been a dream as of most fans to pull on the shirt and walk out to play at White Hart Lane.
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
None which stand out as a superstition!
Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
My goal for the season is to contribute at least 5 goals to the team and hopefully play some part in helping us earn promotion.
RAPID FIRE:
Player of the season (so far): Etienne Capoue
Childhood Team: Tottenham Hotspur
Favourite team in the UK: Tottenham Hotspur
Favourite team outside the UK: NY Red Bulls
Childhood Hero: Rowan Atkinson
Favourite Food: Calamari
Favourite Drink: Lucozade
Favourite Band: Neck Deep
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Having prepared for a long journey to north London, specifically Alexandra park, the boars seem to be ready for the start of the season.
Long trails of messages in Whats-App midweek gave us a hint of a strong selection. As there were new players joining the team for this season, Neal Davidson started sharing the quick rules and traditions. Himself being unable to abide at the very first and simple one “don’t be late”, whilst the ones that managed to get on time watched Man City beat Man United at the bar…
Finally, the kit arrived with Neal 30 minutes before kick off.. Once the boars were ready and on the pitch, instructions were given, and a 4-4-1-1 formation would be the game plan.
As the game started we looked confident on the ball for the first 5 minutes, before one of the centre midfielders (not Darcy) gave the ball away, allowing opposition strikers to take the goal advantage.
It seemed a nightmare to have conceded within the first few minutes of the game. However, we started to hit back at the opposition with long passes, even though Neal as a lone striker was not much of a threat to their defence.
Somehow we got a free kick not far from the edge of the box. Ricardo took the set piece lifting the ball into the box for Joe Grew to score a great header; cancelling out the advantage.
As the game progressed Merton kept giving away the ball whilst the opposition kept stretching the small pitch. I even heard a fellow player saying the opposition made it look like Wembley Stadium with the number of passes they had. Nevertheless, their striker ran from side to side of the pitch dodging the Merton midfielders and defenders to score a second goal.
From then on the opposition kept the pressure on us making it almost impossible to create chances. The third goal came after a clear foul on Ricky which the referee seemed to have missed somehow but, I must admit that the finish of the goal deserved to be mentioned. After that it was so hard to come back on the game and if I remember correctly they had more chances which Dan, Vin and Joe managed to keep out, leaving us 3-1 at half time.
In the second half the formation was changed to 4-3-3 which gave a bit more improvement to the team but again they managed to score from an offside position thanks to the referee not calling it. Neal came off with a hamstring injury, Ricky missed a chance to get back in the game putting the ball over the goal after their goalkeeper saved a shot from Darcy. Welchy conceded a penalty bringing down their striker. Dan, who did great in goal managed to save the penalty among other great saves, which in turn gave him man of the match at the end of the game. Ricky kept playing injured from the foul in the first half as no substitution was available until he “almost” walked off the pitch in frustration after a rant from another boar for a clumsy pass.
After all this we managed to concede two more goals on the second half leaving the final score 5-1.
The boars got together at the end of the game and briefly analysed what went wrong but looking for positives to take from the first game to improve future performances.
Dick of the day went to Ricky for walking off (even though he never left the pitch I have to say) merely the sideline to get some water. In punishment for this, he got to write this report that hopefully some may find true accounts of the events lol.
Its worth a mention that the youth debutant, Joshua, did very well and we hope he continues to improve and grow among the older boars.
We left Alexandra Park in a positive frame of mind and looking ahead to the future, as there are still many games to play for.
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NAME: Clive Corrigan
TEAM: Merton 5s
POSITION: Utility man
BIRTH DATE: 25/01/91
BIRTH PLACE: St Georges – Tooting
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Tooting Bec Utd & Old Mid-Whitgiftian RFC (Although a Rugby club, still has football in it – that counts, right?!)
Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I’m a miserable git when it comes down to it, having been likened to the old man from Pixar’s “UP”, ask any of the committee members! (Not a que for certain individuals to dig about looking beyond my years too). Outside of the club I would describe myself as being pretty laid back and bit of a geek. I currently work as a Sales Exec/ Account Manager for a Security company specialising in CCTV.
How did you end up at Merton FC?
Was informed of MFC by current member Chris Outred after a few years out due to uni/ work commitments.
What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
I think the best has yet to come, but to reel a couple from memory; my half way line goal against Bank of England last season, and being voted 5s player and club person of the season.
If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
My beloved Arsenal does spring to mind, as to play the possession style of football is something I’m looking for us to do successfully this season (the 5s that is). To pull on the shirt who greats like Bergkamp, Viera and Henry have in years gone by. Other than that I’d have to say Palace, as I have a soft spot for them.
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
At the moment they go out of the window just before KO trying to get things ready matchday. But normally I’ll sit there quietly visualising a crunching tackle to pep myself up (sad I know). In the morning I normally have a bowl of porridge, some sort of fruit, a green tea (Mango and Lychee is the one) and about 8 glasses of water.
Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
Looking to bounce back after a disappointing season, ideally with a league win. We had a good team last season but it wasn’t until towards the end we had a regular 11 which with the success of preseason we’ve strengthened on, so I’ll be doing everything I can until then. I’d like to get a couple more goals and ensure we don’t concede even a 10th of what we did last season.
RAPID FIRE:
Player of the season (so far): Hard to say as I think it’s too early in the season, we’ve not even had a game yet!
Childhood Team: Arsenal
Favourite team in the UK: Arsenal
Favourite team outside the UK: Barcelona
Childhood Hero: Dennis Bergkamp & Alan Shearer
Favourite Food: Curry
Favourite Drink: Spiced Rum & Coke
Favourite Band: Currently playing George Ezra, but Bloc Party is my usual ring.
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NAME: Mike Todt
TEAM: 4s
POSITION: Centre Half
BIRTH DATE: 15/12/1987
BIRTH PLACE: Cape Town, South Africa
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Springhill United (SE London)
Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I am content manager – a job definition I have yet to fully understand myself – for a financial services company. It’s even less interesting than it sounds, but it’s been enough to give me an open door into London life. I’m a pretty easy-going, sociable guy. Although less so when I’m on the Central Line at 8am, craning my neck and sweating profusely
How did you end up at Merton FC?
Good old Gumtree. We moved from delightful Woolwich to SW London in April 2015, and I was keen to find a fun, sociable and competitive club to join. Very lucky to have stumbled across Merton FC, which was the first one I trialed. Needless to say, I’ve never bothered pursuing any others since, and I feel very at home here.
What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
Scoring a goal on my debut at the Hood last November was pretty special. Also, coming back from 2-0 down at half time to beat Old Wilsonians was a great game to be a part of.
If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Sunderland! Been a fan since I was seven years old, and despite how mediocre I am as a player, I am confident I could still improve them based on their current form.
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Nope. I just hope to high heaven each time that injury doesn’t await.
Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
After a “frenetic” first game, I’d like to see our team come together. After getting relegated last year, I feel like we’re in with a great chance of competing at the upper end of the league, so that’s the main goal. Failing that, sinking some pints and having a good laugh with some friends afterwards will no doubt be thoroughly enjoyable.
RAPID FIRE:
Player of the season (so far): Dom Plumridge
Childhood Team: Sunderland
Favourite team in the UK: Sunderland (and Merton!)
Favourite team outside the UK: The Proteas cricket team
Childhood Hero: Nelson Mandela
Favourite Food: A medium rare steak
Favourite Drink: Castle Lager (South African beer)
Favourite Band: Coldplay
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Merton FC Stats End of Season
