NAME: Stefan Gerginov

TEAM: Merton FC

POSITION: Forward, Left Wing, Attacking Midfielder

BIRTH DATE: 09 June 1991

BIRTH PLACE: Macedonia

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Radford FC, Gedling Southbank FC etc.


  1. Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?

 Working here in hotels in Central London. Trying to experience London as much as i can, from football aspect in a club level.

  1. How did you end up at Merton FC?

 Found you on Gumtree.com

  1. What do you like most about Merton FC?

 You are positive and friendly, speak many useful tips etc.

  1. If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?

 AC Milan are my team since i was a kid, but any other pro or semi pro team is good for me as i won’t be forever a young footballer.

  1. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

 Nope

  1. Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.

 To develop and learn more


RAPID FIRE:

Favourite Player (at Merton, or in professional football): Pirlo, but i like almost all that are good, but from WBA Jay Rodriguez is also a very good player.

Childhood Team: AC Milan

Favourite team in the UK: Merton FC

Favourite team outside the UK: Barcelona

Childhood Hero: Superman

Favourite Food: All

Favourite Drink: Orange Juice

Favourite Band: Legijata (Macedonian rap band, The Legion)

Posted in Player Profiles

Merton Under 10s vs Rocks Lane United

23rd – September 2018 – Under 10s report

It was the second home match of the season for Merton and what a difference a week makes in terms of the weather. The rain had started hours before kick-off and never let up during the match. Apart from the parents of the players, the only other people at Joseph Hood Rec were a few hardcore joggers. It seemed as if the match referee had to be persuaded to come out of the pavilion. Kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes.

Despite the wet conditions, Merton started very brightly and asserted their dominance very early on. Within 5 minutes, Merton were ahead. An excellent corner from the left by Dave was met by Faris on the volley at the back post.

One nil to Merton.

Merton continued to dominate possession and to create lots more chances for the rest of the first half. However, the score remained at 1 one nil until two minutes before half time. Faris latched onto a loose ball a few metres outside the Rocks Lane penalty area and set off on a run towards their goal. He shot from inside the penalty area to the bottom left corner. It went in!

Two nil to Merton.

Shortly after the re-start the referee blew for half time.

In the second half Merton were kicking slightly up hill. It should have been harder for them but it was anything but. Egged on by Neal, Roy and parents Merton’s boys in yellow seemed determined to Make it Rain goals.

For much of the second half, Merton mounted attack after attack on the Rocks Lane goal. After ten minutes, Rio intercepted an attempted clearance, he feigned a run on the right but instead came inside after creating some space and shot across goal to the bottom left corner. His shot went in off the post.

Three nil to Merton.

At times, Merton were playing some lovely controlled football and every member of the team played well and played the entirety of the match. There were no subs available this week because Louis, Percy and Ollie were unavailable.

Back to the action, Faris was on a hat-trick and clearly keen to score again. A lovely through ball saw him bearing down on the Rocks Lane goal from the right-hand side. This time he shot to the top left corner of the goal. It went in.

Four nil to Merton

It was turning into a goal-fest and a lot of credit must go to the Rocks Lane team because they showed a good spirit and their heads never went down.  They stuck to their tasks even though they had little hope of getting anything out of this game.

After a good run from midfield, Dave added to Merton’s tally with a shot that beat the Rocks Lane keeper and went in the bottom left corner.

Five nil to Merton.

Good approach work from Merton, Rio’s shot is parried. Maxwell is on hand to slot home from close range.

Six nil to Merton.

Coach Neal sends Joe up front and within a few minutes the switch pays dividends. Joe takes his chance well and his shot goes into the top left corner of the Rocks Lane goal.

Seven nil to Merton

There were still a few minutes left, Merton attempted to add Harry’s name to the scoresheet. It was not to be today but I am sure that he’ll be top of the list next time Merton are able to create such a dominant display.

Well done again, boys!  

Three games and three wins!

Let’s keep it going for Match Day 4.       

Author: Mike Pitt

 

Posted in Under 10s Reports

NAME: Marlon

TEAM: Merton 6s FC

POSITION: Goal Keeper

BIRTH DATE: April 15,1988

BIRTH PLACE: Philippines

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Eastbourne Kop


  1. Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?

 I’m a carer/ kitchen assistant. I’m a Radiographer in our country also studied Physio therapy. I like watching football, watching medical shows. Most of the times I go to the gym, cooking, hanging out with friends on the pubs. I like downing pints on the pubs, making jokes. I am quiet type of person at first but friendly. I like watching clips on goal keepers on youtube and dream to be one of the best goal keepers in the planet 😁

  1. How did you end up at Merton FC?

 Darren found me on “Find a player app” and invited me to be on the team. 

  1. What do you like most about Merton FC?

At first, I didn’t realised that I will be part (actually I don’t know yet if i’m part of the team now) coz I’m not the type of player who is really good in football, I just like to play football. The team incourages me specially Dave and Darren never to loose hope on playing football, the team teaches me a lot and trainings during wednesdays helps me big time. I’m a very lazy type of person but because of the team, I’ve changed a lot! Merton FC never bring you down, they will never let you walk alone!

  1. If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?

 Liverpool FC! I am a big fan of liverpool!

  1. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

 I am praying before the game 🤧

  1. Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.

 My goal is to be the goal keeper of the team till the season finish and be one of the best goal keepers of the team.


RAPID FIRE:

Favourite Player (at Merton, or in professional football): Alison Becker 

Childhood Team: Just played at school 

Favourite team in the UK: Liverpool FC

Favourite team outside the UK: Belgium

Childhood Hero: Batman

Favourite Food: Fish and Chips

Favourite Drink: Kronenbourg 1664

Favourite Band: A1 🤣

Posted in Player Profiles

NAME: Andrew Stears

TEAM: Merton 5’s (i think… anyone who will play me tbh)

POSITION: CM Mainly but anything other then on the wing 

BIRTH DATE: 31/10/1992

BIRTH PLACE: St Helier hosptial

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Lennox FC, St Helier FC, Shalford FC, Cresant Rovers, Old Wimbledonians.


  1. Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?

 I’m a quiet guy until you get to know me, then good luck keeping me quiet. Work in IT, yes i’m a computer nerd, yes i like star wars, and no i cant fix your phone, that’s not my job! Like to keep busy into films, gaming, cycling, acting outside of football.

  1. How did you end up at Merton FC?

 Was jumping around between clubs trying to find somewhere i could play consistantly and a friend of mine recommended Merton so i came down.

  1. What do you like most about Merton FC?

 I like the environment, a lot of people having fun pre and post match, makes it a good place to be.

  1. If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?

 Would have loved to have played for Juventus about 5 years ago, playing along side Buffon, Chiellini, Pirlo Vidal, Pogba would have been a dream !

  1. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

 Never shoot in warm up, i’m never going to shoot in game so im not going to shoot in the warm up.

  1. Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.

 Probably to end up with some stupid award at the end of the season, for turning up with two left boots, and no right one… ive done that before, not my finest day.


RAPID FIRE:

Favourite Player (at Merton, or in professional football): Paul Scholes, Pirlo, Totti

Childhood Team: Manchester United

Favourite team in the UK: AFC Wimbledon

Favourite team outside the UK:

Childhood Hero: James Thompson (BTCC), I come from a Motor Sports household

Favourite Food: Pasta, Dont care what kind just give me.

Favourite Drink: Lillys Summerset Mango Cider

Favourite Band: The Sweet Chunks Band

Posted in Player Profiles

NAME: Mo

TEAM: Merton 4s

POSITION: midfielder

BIRTH DATE: 01/08/83

BIRTH PLACE: Paris

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Mavericks FC


  1. Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?

I was working as a Fraud analyst for an insurance company and now I’m looking for my next adventure still in the Fraud investigation environment or data analyst. I’m can be a reserved person  when I meet people the first time but with time I am a nice and sociable person. 

  1. How did you end up at Merton FC?

 I’ve seen an advert on Gumtree where the club was looking for players as I wanted to change club I signed in.. 

  1. What do you like most about Merton FC?

the fact there are 6 teams and coachs there are an organisation as well the fact its close to me as well (was part of my decision to come) good training on wednesday with some technic and physical session.

  1. If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?

Madrid for the socios for the fact it’s one of the team who people from all around the world support.

  1. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

always put my left sock first

  1. Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.

hopefully 5-10 goals + some assist 


RAPID FIRE:

Favourite Player (at Merton, or in professional football): Zidane

Childhood Team: PSG

Favourite team in the UK: ARSENAL

Favourite team outside the UK: PSG / MADRID

Childhood Hero: Sangoku

Favourite Food: chinese / indian

Favourite Drink: San Pellegrino fizzy water

Favourite Band: Psy 4 de la rime (french rap) The Beatles, The Black eyed peas 

Posted in Player Profiles

 

NAME: Matt Nightingale

TEAM: Merton 5’s

POSITION: CM/AM

BIRTH DATE: 19/08/87

BIRTH PLACE: Carshalton

PREVIOUS CLUBS: St Martins


  1. Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?

 HAPPY HARD WORKER. I AM THE SAME AT WORK… HOME… OUT… ON THE PITCH. 

  1. How did you end up at Merton FC?

 I ASKED MY BROTHER TO EMAIL ONE OF THE PREVIOUS HIGHER UPS AND THEY TOLD ME HOW TO GO FOR TRIALS. WELL HAPPY I DID. 

  1. What do you like most about Merton FC?

 TEAM SPIRIT AND THE BANTS

  1. If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?

 SUNDERLAND… THEY’RE MY TEAM

  1. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

 I HAVE A PAIR OF NIKE SHIN PADS. ONE HAS THE TICK AND ONE HAS THE WORD NIKE ON IT. THE TICK ALWAYS GOES ON MY LEFT SHIN. 

  1. Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.

 TO FINISH IN A RESPECTABLE POSITION AND TO BAG A FEW GOOD GOALS. BUT MAINLY TO BE AS CREATIVE AS I KNOW I CAN BE AND AS INFLUENTIAL AS I NEED TO BE


RAPID FIRE:

Favourite Player (at Merton, or in professional football): CAN’T CHOOSE ANY ONE PLAYER AT MERTON, ALL GREAT LADS…PROFESSIONAL… CRISTIANO RONALDO

Childhood Team: SUNDERLAND

Favourite team in the UK: SUNDERLAND

Favourite team outside the UK: REAL MADRID

Childhood Hero: ZIDANE (THE BEST) 

Favourite Food: MY MUM’S MACCARONI CHEESE

Favourite Drink: PEPSI MAX

Favourite Band: TRIVIUM

Posted in Player Profiles

NAME: Scott Brown

TEAM: 5’s

POSITION: CB

BIRTH DATE: 22/09/1984

BIRTH PLACE: Islington

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Old Meadonians, Malvern Chase & JP Morgan


  1. Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?

I work as an Assistant Facilities Manager for an American Law firm. All my spare time is spent with my wife & 11 month old daughter who likes to show me what parts of the house I have forgotten/not realised needs to baby proofed!

  1. How did you end up at Merton FC?

I moved to Carshalton 18 months ago and took last season out to spend time with the family.  I looked for local clubs and found Carshalton (who I went to one training session and didn’t go back) and then come across Merton.

I sent a message to Dave Golding who recommended I came to training and have now been with the 5’s for the last month.

  1. What do you like most about Merton FC?

 As I’m new I would say location and the fact it has hot showers!  Also everyone I have met so far have been great.

  1. If you could play for a professional team,which would be it and why?

 Arsenal as it’s the team I support and was my local team growing up.

  1. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

 As I’ve had a few injuries over the years it’s always to wear my ankle support.

  1. Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.

 As the 5’s were promoted last year I would have to say to give a good account of ourselves in the division.  I’m confident if we can keep the same players week in week out we will achieve this.

Also you can’t beat a good cup run.


RAPID FIRE:

Favourite Player (at Merton, or in professional football): Tony Adams

Childhood Team: Arsenal

Favourite team in the UK: Arsenal

Favourite team outside the UK: You only support one team.

Childhood Hero: He-man (have a funny story about this)

Favourite Food: Curry

Favourite Drink: Beer

Favourite Band: Don’t have one

Posted in Player Profiles

NAME: Max Carveth

TEAM: Good question, ask Clappers… played with the 1s on the weekend.

POSITION: Right back, left back or centre midfield if the opposition is really shite.

BIRTH DATE: 21/7/1992

BIRTH PLACE: Sydney, Australia

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Northbridge Football Club back in Sydney


  1. Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?

I worked as an analyst in the racing and media industries back home although am currently looking for permanent work here in London – might have to take up begging to pay match fees shortly. Outside of work I enjoy watching an array of sport and am loving getting amongst London’s many markets since I’ve been here.

  1. How did you end up at Merton FC?

 Back in Sydney I played with ex-Merton FC player Will Taylor who some may know or remember. He tipped me off about the club and put me in touch with Clappers and Ivan.

  1. What do you like most about Merton FC?

 Definitely the cracks in the pitch down at the hood, should make for some mean seam bowling come cricket season. Jokes aside, there seems to be a great atmosphere around the club and a good bunch of guys which is essential.

  1. If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?

 Being a Liverpool fan I’d have to say them. 

  1. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

 Nothing apart from trying my hardest not be hungover for the game.

  1. Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.

 No idea what to expect given I’ve been here about two seconds but the goal would have to be for the team to bag some wins, have a few laughs along the way and hopefully I can keep my one goal every three seasons average on track too – I’m due this season.


RAPID FIRE:

Favourite Player (at Merton, or in professional football): Yet to have a favourite at Merton although Harrison is certainly the most lethal finisher in the club based on his oggie at the weekend. Professionally, probably Tom Rogic, an Aussie that plays for Celtic. 

Childhood Team: Liverpool FC

Favourite team in the UK: Liverpool FC

Favourite team outside the UK: Don’t have any in particular but have a soft spot for the teams that Australians playing abroad play in.

Childhood Hero: Stevie G

Favourite Food: Mexican

Favourite Drink: Love a dark ‘n’ stormy

Favourite Band: Don’t really have one, liking War on Drugs at the moment.

Posted in Player Profiles

Name: Jonas Suarez 

Team: Merton 4s

Position: The wings are my territory

Birthdate: 17/06/85

Birthplace: Canary Islands (Spain)

Previous Clubs: Hyde Park and Woodhouse FC (futsal – Leeds), CD Los Portales, UD Teror and others.


  1. Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how could you describe yourself?

My name is Jonas Suarez, but I promise you biting is not one of my football skills. I’m a Digital Product Designer. I design software, apps, websites, etc. I came to England, Leeds, four years and a half ago but I’ve been living in London for the last two and a half. The idea was to learn English and come back, but here I am. People usually ask me, what that f*ck are you doing here if you are from Canary Island? Well, I was born in, and I enjoyed it, but I suppose I’m in love with England too. It was love at first English breakfast, hahaha. 

I’m a friendly guy that loves sport, nature, and design. I’ve played a lot of football during my life but also running, boxing, climbing, you name it. 

  1. How did you end up at Merton FC?

For a colleague of a colleague of my wife’s colleague, or something like that. They put me in touch with Sam Kapadia and he introduced me to the team.

  1. What do you like most about Merton FC?

Too soon to say but for now, it feels like everyone cares a lot. Everyone has been helpful and friendly to me. Also, worth to mention that Merton 4s team has a group of people with an incredible camaraderie attitude when playing together it felt like a team since day one.

  1. If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?

Real Madrid, it is my team since I know what football is. If I could choose for any team in history, it would be the Brasil team of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, etc. What a group!

  1. Do you have any pre-match ritual or superstitions?

Not really, try to eat 3 hours before the match an stretch properly. That comes with age, hehe.

  1. Lastly, share with us your goals/expectations for the season.

 

I’m ambitious, +20 goals / +10 assists if I play wing forward. +10 goals / +20 assists if a play full wing.

It sounds more like a wish list, but I already have one each, hehe.

 


– Rapid fire – 

Favorite Player: Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima

Childhood Team: UD Las Palmas & Real Madrid

Favorite Team in the UK: Right now, Manchester City. They have one of the best players from my islands, David Silva.

Favorite Team outside of the UK: Real Madrid

Childhood Hero: Maurice Greene (Fastest man in the world in my generation)

Favorite food: Whatever Canary recipe that my mom cooks.

Favorite drink: Fresh made tropical fruits juice.

Favorite band: Offspring

 

Go Mertooooon!! hehe 

Posted in Player Profiles

The 3rds second outing of the season was against Old Reigatians in the cup, after an opening day 3-1 reversal at Polytechnic our thoughts turned to the road to Wembley ( or whatever the cup final equivalent is for us)

After a bit of crack filling and so classic noughties tracks the game kicked off.

In the early exchanges the boars got the ball down and produced a few neat interchanges but never quite found the cutting edge once in the final third and the first 20 passed with reasonably quietly. That all changed at about the mid point of the first half.

From our own goal kick the ball was given away and with players out of position it only took a couple of passes for Reigatians to fashion a decent opening and put the ball past Ryan Collier in the Merton goal.

Within 5 minutes it was 0-2, the balm was turned over half way inside the opposition half but with far to many men in advanced positions it was fairly straight forward for the opposition to again threaten the home goal. This lead to a shot from the away side that was destined for the goalkeepers arm to be deflected agonisingly past the stranded Ryan C by Joe Vaughan. So at half time the boars trailed 0-2

The second half kicked off and thing pretty quickly went from bad to worse.

From an opposition corner Neal Davison inexplicably decided to produce his best Maradona impression, the eagle eyed ref awarding the spot kick much to the ire of Diego Davison who claimed to have been “pushed”. The penalty was promptly dispatched making the score 0-3.

At that point a little tactical tinkering from the gaffer and his cohort of technical advisors on the side line seemed to do the trick as the boars maintained some decent possession but again the lack of quality in the final third meant all our endeavours came to nought. The best opportunity falling to Joe Vaughan who finding himself in the middle of the box and with time to pick his spot proceeded to essentially pass the ball back to the keeper. With the game becoming more stretched Reigatians broke down field and were awarded a second spot kick when Iain Evans was harshly adjudged to have unlawfully stopped the attacker in the penalty area, after the game the challenge would be compared to a WWE wrestling move!

Again the penalty was converted and so ended the 3’s involvement in the SFA cup for another year.

MoM – Vin
DoD – Iain

Posted in Match Reports 3s