Author: Matt Haswell
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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 š 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 changedā¦. 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 3ās
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 3ās who were looking for a goalkeeper for the last few games of the season, although not an out and out goalkeeper Iāve 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 itās 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, theĀ boarsĀ seem to be ready for the start of the season.
Long trails of messages inĀ Whats-AppĀ 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”, Ā 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 theĀ boarsĀ 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 midfieldersĀ (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 kickĀ 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 scoreĀ a secondĀ goal.
From then on the oppositionĀ 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 toĀ haveĀ 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 secondĀ halfĀ 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 offsideĀ positionĀ 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 theirĀ goalkeeperĀ saved a shot from Darcy.Ā WelchyĀ conceded a penalty bringing down their striker.Ā Dan, who did great in goal managed to save the penalty among other great saves, which in turn gave himĀ manĀ of the match at the end of the game.Ā Ricky kept playing injured from the foul in the first half as no substitution was available until he “almost” walked off the pitch inĀ frustration after a rant from anotherĀ boarĀ for a clumsy pass.
After allĀ thisĀ we managed to concede two more goalsĀ onĀ the second half leaving the final score 5-1.
TheĀ boarsĀ got together at the end of the game and briefly analysedĀ 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 olderĀ 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 ā Tooting
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Tooting Bec Utd & Old Mid-Whitgiftian RFC (Although a Rugby club, still has football in it ā 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 wasnāt 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 ā a job definition I have yet to fully understand myself ā for a financial services company. Itās even less interesting than it sounds, but itās been enough to give me an open door into London life. Iām a pretty easy-going, sociable guy. Although less so when Iām 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, Iāve 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 doesnāt await.
Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
After a āfreneticā first game, Iād like to see our team come together. After getting relegated last year, I feel like weāre in with a great chance of competing at the upper end of the league, so thatās 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 vs ClaygateĀ 10/9/16
11Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā –Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā 1
Match report by Ben Ind
1st quarter
score at start : 0-0
score at endĀ Ā : 0-0
A frustrating period for Merton in which they dominatedĀ but could notĀ turn dominanceĀ into chances.
The closest they came were two one on ones that were well blocked by the keeper. Claygate could barely get the ball , let aloneĀ mount a serious attack.
2nd quarter
score at start : 0-0
score at end : 5-0
Finally,Ā Merton broke the deadlock with some well taken goals,
something that their high pressing deserved.Ā One of the main talking points was Mertonās 3rd goal, which , had it not gone in, would have aroused a serious case for a Merton penalty. A Claygate defenderĀ appeared to block a Merton shot with their hand, but the ball then fell to a Merton forward who then scored the 3rd goal.
3rd quarter
score at start : 5-0
score at endĀ :Ā 8-0
Merton finished off the game with three more goals to put the game beyond Claygate.
Merton struggled for goals in the first few minutes, much like the first quarter , but an own goalĀ set them off.
4th quarter
score at start : 8-0
score at endĀ Ā : 11-1
Claygate finally managed to get on the scoresheet at the end.
A good counter attack ended with a powerful shot past the Merton keeper.
Merton added a few moreĀ but the game had been realistically over for a long time.
Summary
A one-sided affair in which the promising Merton side were not truly tested.
Other
The Merton coach said after the gameĀ that their weaknessĀ was slow startsĀ but he wasĀ pleased with the way their high pressing worked.
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Saturday 10 September. The day the season began for the Merton 4s. And a lovely setting it appeared to be for the launch of the 2016/17 campaign. The Hood was abuzz with yellow, with four teams playing at home on the day ā albeit that the other three games were friendlies.
As a result, many eyes were on the 4s, who were taking on Old Actonians ā a side with whom they had got relegated at the end of last season. Confidence was abound though, given that Merton had done the double over these foes last time around, so under gloomy skies and with a slick surface, it seemed like the perfect platform to launch the new campaign.
The only notable absentee was the manager (how big a miss he would prove to be). Sam in goal, a solid back four of John, Will, Mike and Ryan, with Dan and Joe plugging central midfield. Doddsy and Chris were the two wingers, with Sonny and Dom the two frontmen in a bog standard 4-4-2
Yet Actonians were barely recognisable from last season; littered with youth, and as soon as the game kicked off, it was abundantly clear that they were the side more up for the occasion. Merton were penned in their own half, and the visitors were winning every first and second ball. Frustrations were simmering, Dom and Sonny were receiving the square root of zero in terms of service upfront, and Merton couldnāt seem to find a way to gain a foothold in the match.
Yet for all of Actoniansā superiority, the defence were at least able to contain things, and the opponents couldnāt really lay claim to having any genuine chances. Itās what made the opening goal all the more frustrating. The corner swung in, and their striker nodded in a free header from point blank. It resembled a training ground exercise, and was almost inexplicable for a team who never usually concede from corners.
Nevertheless, it was 1-0, and the grumblings continued. Danny pulled up with an injury and had to be replaced, and the remaining 10 minutes of the half followed much the same pattern. Merton doing nothing, Actonians with all the endeavour, and goalmouth activity minimal.
The sanctuary of half time arrived, and the talk was largely positive. The plan was to go 4-5-1 for the start of the second half, with Sonny sacrificed to make way for a midfield three of Doddsy, Joe and Carl, with Arnold and Chris the two wide men. And for the first 10 minutes of the second stanza, it worked a treat. Merton were contesting balls in the middle, stringing together some passes, and keeping Actonians at bay.
And then came the chance ā a glorious one. Joe found Carlās feet, and he dinked a delightful ball over the defence. Arnold, who had timed his run to perfection, found himself one on one with the keeper. Unfortunately, his finish snuck past the left-hand upright, and the chance was gone.
What followed next set the tone for the rest of a bitter match. Actonians played a through ball, and their striker was almost certainly offside. Yet the defence made the classic mistake of not playing to the whistle. The finish was clinical; Sam with no chance, and 2-0 it was.
But then things turned ugly. The recriminations began, and they were somewhat unfairly targeted at Sam. Yes, he made some errors, and on a few occasions failed to come off his line when he might have done. But in a game in which almost everyone to a man put in a performance ranging from mediocre to poor, it seemed slightly ludicrous to pinpoint Samās faults ā not to mention the fact that he made an outstanding save to keep it at 2-0.
The third goal arrived amid the sea of negativity, with Actonians completing a deft manoeuvre down the right, and the little winger producing a superb finish to Samās left.
Ironically though, it was Sam who turned provider for Mertonās riposte. A high, handsome kick caused mayhem in the visitorās defence, and Dom couldnāt believe his luck as he found himself one on one with the keeper. A man of his quality was never going to miss: 3-1 it was, and with 20 minutes to go, there was still hope.
But the negative atmosphere made that seem like a distant dream. The bickering continued; again, largely targeted at Sam, and the final quarter was actually thoroughly unenjoyable. The fourth goal came for Actonians towards the end. Another bit of irony in that one too, given that it came via an excellent chip that caught Sam off his line (just as heād been ordered to be).
By the time the final whistle went, heads were well and truly down, tempers were flaring, and everyone couldnāt wait to get off the park. An attempt at mending fences by the skipper in the changing room afterwards didnāt go according to plan, and it remains to be seen whether the 4s have now lost the services of Sam for the season.
Whoever was right or wrong, it mattered not. This was a sorry affair, and a poor start to the season. Itās difficult to believe such fractious scenes would have taken place in the presence of the manager, and his return next week canāt come quickly enough. This is a team in need of some soul searching (and perhaps a goalkeeper), and will need to very quickly consign the dayās events to history, and start again.
Saturday 17 September. The day the season began. Letās hope so.
Team: Sam Singer Ripley (GK), John Gridley, Mike Todt, Will Harrison, Ryan Burchell, Chris Outred, Joe Plumridge, Dan Gridley, Chris Dodd, Sonny Kennedy, Dom Plumridge
Subs: Arnold Collier, Carl Kewley
Goal: Dom Plumridge
Booked: Dan Gridley
MOTM: Ryan Burchell
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The future’s bright. It’s all yellow.
Today’s results from the youth section:
Our U9s beat Claygate Royals 11-1.
U11s drew 3-3 with Esher Colts. Goals from Comack, Rohan and Kaya
Our U13s lost away at Epsom and Ewell 3-1 but played really well (the opposition ‘keeper was outstanding). Our U14s beat RPV 8-2. Goals including 2 hat tricks Ā from Chris and Bruno and 2 goals from Kieran.
And our U15s beat Halliford Colts 8-4.
A great start to the season. Well done boys. Well done to Steve and his team of dedicated managers/coaches. Great stuff. (pics will follow)
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Merton FC Stats End of Season
