Category: Player Profiles

NAME: Tom Rowe

TEAM: 1s

POSITION: Striker

BIRTH DATE: 24/09/91

BIRTH PLACE: Wimbledon

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Rosslyn Park Rugby Football Club 😉

 

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

Refreshingly laid back for a man with such responsibility.

 

2. What was most memorable moment in your MFC career till now?

Probably one of the several 30 yarders I’ve scored over the years. Surprisingly and much to my team mates annoyance, I’ve missed more from those efforts than I’ve scored.

 

3. What is your favourite quote?

There goes Tom Rowe, I must remember to thank him..

4. Tell us something about yourself that most of us at the club probably aren’t aware of…

I have done some acting – got type cast with all the Hugh Grant roles

 

5. Ask a friend for a reference and post their response of you – can be a family member, friend or teammate (E.G: “He’s a lovely boy” – Mom)

Tom is probably the best employee I’ve ever had. In fact I will give him that bonus I promised him. ‘Line Manager’

 

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

I think it would be great to make a cup final. I couldn’t make the last one, think we lost narrowly… the two aren’t linked but winning this time would be great, especially for all of the Dads.

 

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RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton): Siraj. He’s been angry for a lot of season, but I think he’s been a fantastic addition to the squad and his performances must have made up at least 5/6 points for us. We’ve had a lot of new comers this season which has been great and a bit overdue. I’m hoping they stay or at least remember us when they’re all famous

Favourite team in the UK: Man Utd

Favourite team outside the UK: anyone playing good football / beating Chelsea

Childhood hero: Eric Cantona

Favourite word: n/a (Gladkow 2017)

Favourite band: would like to see Oasis live

Favourite food: contrary to popular belief of late (and rightly so), Something healthy

Dream job: being Woody’s boss

NAME: Alan Clowes (‘Clowesy’)

TEAM: Merton 2’s

POSITION: Anywhere across the back

BIRTH DATE: 14/06/1984

BIRTH PLACE: Carshalton

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Epsom & Ewell, Sussex Uni

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

 

Outside of the Mighty Merton FC I’m a Catastrophe Analyst for an Insurance company by day, and a music loving, travel junky, football addicted dad to be by night. I also like a beer/love a Predator.

 

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?

 

I left Uni in 2005 and found Merton FC on the interweb. 12 years in I’ve probably only played about 3 full seasons due to injury, travelling and deciding to marry a Jock!

 

3. What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?

 

Promotion with the 1’s in my first season. Some very memorable characters in that squad and me as well. Closely followed by winning the Portugal Tournament a few years back. Still can’t quite believe Wellsey brought his bird. Genuinely shocking.

 

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

 

A Japanese one so I could win some headers

 

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

 

Porridge with honey, banana and mixed seeds (type depending on what Lidl has in stock). This then helps oil the bowls for my pre game turn out. A Ryan Gresty cross country warm up was also a favourite of mine. Why save energy for a game when you can burn it all off in a warm up?

 

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

 

To get some more games in before it ends after injuring my knee a month ago!

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RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): Merton = Connor Murphy – extremely reliable defender. Professional = Sam Baldock (Brighton FC)

Childhood Team: Cheam Warriors, Warren Mead FC

Favourite team in the UK: Norwich City

Favourite team outside the UK: Juventus – Zidane, Del Piero, Nedved. Need I say more?

Childhood Hero: Alan Shearer

Favourite Food: Lamb Jalfrazi extra hot

Favourite Drink: Anything with a golf ball in it

Favourite Band: Very difficult. Between Kings of Leon, Kasabian and Editors

NAME: David Golding 

TEAM: 7s (Captain)

POSITION: 10ft circle in the middle! 

BIRTH DATE: 14/8/72

BIRTH PLACE: Fulham 

PREVIOUS CLUBS: how long you got?! 

 

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

 

Left school at 14 and became a blacksmith, started my own company in 1999 and have a great team working with me. 

Outside of work, been coaching kids football for 12 years on & off as well as running various football teams from under 18 to Vets.   

Unfortunately most winters I’m found falling down some remote mountain covered in snow with a board strapped to my feet, so I normally end up missing a fair amount of the season (or not depending on the uk weather!) 

 

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?

My good friend Steve Burchell had been asking me for a few years to join, but for one thing or another, could never commit. Finally the planets alined and he managed to get me signed up, only for him to get picked for a different squad… go figure!! 

 

3. What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?

Been a few in such a short time,  as playing in the 7s is an absolute blast, scoring in the same game as my son Billy in a friendly is one, but I would guess it would have to be scoring from ’48’ yards (apparently!) and made all the more better as I beat Malcolm to the shot! (And by all accounts it was Billy or got the assist) 

 

 

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

 Either Spurs (as I’ve been a fan since the early 80s) or Madrid/Barca (given the chance, who wouldn’t?) 

 

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

Wore my socks inside out in a London schools youth tournament in the 80s, finished top scorer and we won the tournament, so oddly enough done it since. 

 

 

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

 

As we’re the newly formed 7s and there wasn’t any expectations at the start, we as a team, believe we can finish top 4. Which would be remarkable seeing as we had no preseason or knew who played where and how! 

Goals, seeing as I’m now playing the holding midfield roll (sort of!!) I would be happy to finish with 5 (that’s including any goals for the 6s, friendlies & even own goals!!)  

 

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RAPID FIRE:

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

Merton – tough one, as there’s a core of regular players that are stand out ‘team players’, will play anywhere and not fuss when substituted or don’t start. 

Childhood Team: 

Spurs 

Favourite team in the UK: 

Spurs/AFC Wimb

Favourite team outside the UK: 

Madrid/Barca

Childhood Hero:  Paul Gascoigne

Favourite Food: Chicken & Rice 

Favourite Drink: Guinness 

Favourite Band: all depends what I doing. 

NAME: Charlie Hockless 

TEAM: 1s 

POSITION: Centre Forward 

BIRTH DATE: 18.02.1992 

BIRTH PLACE: Paris 

PREVIOUS CLUBS: PSG Academy, Rutland Fc 

 

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

I am a senior analyst for a valuation/data company in the shipbroking industry. This basically entails providing data and valuations for financial institutions, owners and brokers within shipping. Outside of work I enjoy going out, going to gigs and watching sport. I’d describe myself as easygoing and always up for a laugh. 

 

2. How did you end up at Merton FC? 

Was a Nottingham Uni with Tom Rowe who, after seeing my finishing prowess at powerleague, said I should come down to Merton once back in London. 

 

3. What was your best moment in your MFC career till now? 

Probably coming on for my first appearance this season 3-2 down against IBIS, winning the foul for the equaliser then scoring an audacious first time volley from outside the box into the top corner to win it for the men in yellow with 5 mins to go, sending the away end (our subs bench) into raptures and celebrating with a double knee slide in the corner. Wish I could remember the celebrations in the Wandle after… 

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

Chelsea. Spent my childhood idolising Gianfranco Zola, Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink, and Frank Lampard. Also to play for Antonio Conte would be an amazing experience. 

 

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

The no.15 shirt has been good to me this season, so I tend to grab that out of the pile as soon as possible.  

 

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

For the team- to end this season strongly. We’ve seen a huge improvement from last year and to finish in the top 3 or 4 would be a solid benchmark for future campaigns. Also to win our cup semi, I would love a cup final. 

Personally- to keep getting on the score sheet and to stay fit.  

 

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RAPID FIRE: 

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): Siri, he’s having a huge impact this season. In the prem– N’golo Kanté.  

Childhood Team: Chelsea 

Favourite team in the UK: Chelsea 

Favourite team outside the UK: PSG 

Childhood Hero:  Michael Schumacher

Favourite Food:  Pizza

Favourite Drink:  Guinness. 

Favourite Band/Artist: Action Bronson

NAME: Ben Cook

TEAM: Merton 2s

POSITION: Centre Midfield (NOT A CENTRE BACK)

BIRTH DATE: 23/11/85

BIRTH PLACE: Bristol

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Nailsea UTD, Clevedon UTD, Winscombe, Wrington Redhill, Clevedon Town Under 18s, Tickenham United

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

Architect (not very intellectual so took the wise route of drawing for a living)

Quiet and chilled out person during the week…..like having the odd night out but trying to slow things down in my old age.

Also thinking about joining Tinder as have never used it before.

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?

Moved to London 6 years ago from the countryside so didn’t really know many people so came along training and the red mist started from there.

3. What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?

Becoming friends with Ivan

Albufeira tour in my first season

Winning the league title with 2s

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

Not a team, but I think being in the England 1990s world cup squad would have been a dream to be part of

5. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
   • Certainly not watching porn whilst eating beans on toast
   • Pre match motivational video to get myself fired up.
   • Always check my bank account to make sure I have enough money to cover a booking
6. Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
   Two games left…..win both and take it into the new season.

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RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): Zlatan Ibrahimovic (unless DQ does something special at the weekend)

Childhood Team: Aston Villa

Favourite team in the UK: Man UTD

Favourite team outside the UK: Atletico Madrid

Childhood Hero: Superted

Favourite Food: Spaghetti Bolognese

Favourite Drink: Vodka & Coke

Favourite Band: Oasis

NAME: Dan Ally. 

TEAM: 7s/Manager.

POSITION: Defender/Manager.

BIRTH DATE: 04/03/94.

BIRTH PLACE: Kingston. 

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Reigate priory, Kingswood FC. 

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

 I’m an all round builder but my speciality is bricklaying, patios and driveways. I always make sure iv got time for playing football, going fishing, playing guitar, going to gigs/festivals and going out. I’m very laid back and just goes with the flow. 

 

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?

I Searched for local football teams In my area on the Internet and found Merton FC and now I’m here.

 

3. What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?

 Probably becoming the 7s manager. 

 

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

 LA Galaxy. Why? Because it’s in los Angeles lets face it who wouldn’t wanna live there? 

 

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

Listening to Taylor Swift in the car driving to home and away games always gets me in the mood before a match, but I do have a habit of always forgetting the kit. 

 

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

To Continue playing strong and focused in every game, the aim is to finish at least in the top four this season. 

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RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): premier league Zlatan Ibrahimovic. 

Childhood Team: Liverpool fc. 

Favourite team in the UK: Liverpool fc.

Favourite team outside the UK: Real Madrid 

Childhood Hero: Ronaldo(Brazilian Ronaldo) 

Favourite Food: Fried Chicken and Chips

Favourite Drink: Southern Comfort & lemonade.

Favourite Band: Red Hot Chili Peppers. 

NAME: Dan Kelly

TEAM: Merton 2s

POSITION: Centre Forward

BIRTH DATE: 16/10/81

BIRTH PLACE: Great Yarmouth

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Couple of clubs back in York: Heslington XI, CPP, but Merton since 2005.

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

I work in market research which wrongly gets equated with me doing surveys. It’s not that exciting. I like to travel, be active (football, climbing, hiking) am basically super competitive about everything and anything. 

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?

 Moved to Wimbledon in 2005, googled and found Merton. Came down for training and Max got me into the 4s squad with Scicluna. Got myself a few goals early on and that was it really.

3. What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?

 Winning the title with the 3s a few years back. And back to back club top scorer awards.

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

Super Tottenham from the Lane (although not for much longer) 

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

Never wear 7 or 10 (I don’t have the ball playing skills to back it up). Make sure you score in the warm up.  

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

 Promotion with the 2s (although tough now) and finishing top scorer for them. Would love for the 3s to stay up as well – best of luck to them at the weekend

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RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): Connor Murphy. Relentlessly solid.

Childhood Team: Spurs

Favourite team in the UK: Spurs

Favourite team outside the UK: There is football outside the UK?

Childhood Hero: Gary Lineker and for a brief phase I remember wanting to be Eddie the Eagle so much I almost drowned “ski jumping” into the sea. 

Favourite Food: Pizza

Favourite Drink: Ale

Favourite Band: Pass. 

NAME: David Quainton

TEAM: Handsome

POSITION: CF, though, let’s face it, I’ve played everywhere. A season a left-back proved it’s not my natural home.

BIRTH DATE: 07/06/1981

BIRTH PLACE: London (Westminster, to be precise)

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Stringfellows, Book Club, Teaching Vanny To Read Good Club, Sinjuns Grammarians.

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

Raconteur, handsome go-getter, purveyor of joie de vivre, standard-bearer for literacy within Merton FC. Man most likely (after Vanny) to dig-out D’Arcy[sic] and Vin for being fat. I work in PR and do writing, innit. For EE. So if you’re on the UK’s biggest and fastest mobile network and have experienced no signal or appalling customer service it’s not my fault, but I do know the person responsible.  

 

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?

My Sinjuns teammates were all getting a little long in the tooth and Messrs Willgoss and Jennings had long extolled the virtues of Merton FC. Clappers said I talked too much at my first training session, but I knew he loved me really. My keenness at training briefly earned me the name ‘new Mustard’ which I took as a compliment; now I’m not so sure… Also I accidentally fouled Chris Rayner about three times a session.

 

3. What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?

January 2016, an away match for the 1s against someone (I never know who). Quainton, Rayner and Willgoss on the bench. All three chucked on late in a tug-of-war 0-0. Bosher scores, we concede immediately, but we’re desperate for the win. Willgoss win the ball at right back and clears to 40-ish yards, I outsprint the defence, round a centreback on the halfway line, and race through with nothing left on the clock. Chuffing away to my left is, not a defender, but Chris Bloody Rayner. I’ve got the goddamn sense to square. Rayner, cold as ice, slots home. Everyone goes chicken oriental. It was a special, special moment.

 

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

I already play for QPR. Look-up Jamie Mackie.

Otherwise, aside from the obvious Merseyside Reds, I’d go Fiorentina, because Batigol and Florence.

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

Shirt number 3 is mine.

 

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

I expect to score goals. I’ll miss some as well, but I will also score, and get injured. Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.

 

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RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): Paul Pearce, N’Golo Kante.

Childhood Team: Liverpool FC

Favourite team in the UK: Liverpool FC

Favourite team outside the UK: St Pauli, the ultimate hipster side

Childhood Hero: Roald Dahl

Favourite Food: Paella

Favourite Drink: Dr Pepper

Favourite Band: Radiohead

NAME: Michael Gubby   

TEAM: Various

POSITION: GK (with the odd cameo on field)

BIRTH DATE: 10^th May 1993

BIRTH PLACE: Basingstoke

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Various teams closer to home

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

I’m a product manager for BT, managing the process of changing prices that our customer’s pay. Outside of that im a lot less boring…

Love listening to music and going to gigs of various genres and watching and playing a variety of sports. Oh and getting drunk quite often with friends

 

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?

Through a few friends who work at BT with me and play for Merton

 

3. What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?

Picking up MOTM and DOTD on debut (for the 3s)

 

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

I would play for Man United. Been a fan since my dad made me a fan as a young kid

 

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

Always put my gloves on last…

 

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

I would love a clean sheet or a point at all on the goalkeepers Golden Glove table

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RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): Zlatan!

Childhood Team: Man United

Favourite team in the UK: Man United

Favourite team outside the UK: The Burkina Faso national team

Childhood Hero: Peter Schmeichel

Favourite Food: Nachos

Favourite Drink: Cherry Coke

Favourite Band: Foals

NAME: Ryan Burchell

TEAM: 4s

POSITION: RM/RB/Sub

BIRTH DATE: 09/10/97

BIRTH PLACE: Kingston

PREVIOUS CLUBS: None

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

I’m currently a team leader in training at Sainsbury’s and I’m doing my best to balance a job in retail and playing football… Unsuccessfully at the minute! I’d describe myself as a friendly, wannabe funnyman who’s always up for a laugh and a beer or two.

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?

Been watching since I was about 10 years old with my Dad playing for the 6s and when I was finally old enough I put on the yellow shirt and have loved it ever since.

3. What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?

Up until a month ago this would’ve been winning Player of The Season for the 6s in my second season but now it has to be scoring my first Merton hatrick.

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

I would play for my boyhood club Arsenal, been a fan since I was little (Much to the disappointment of my Dad) and walking out onto the Emirates would be a dream come true.

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

Not really, apart from praying Scholesy doesn’t put me on the bench

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

Hopefully be able to see the 4s pull off a miraculous recovery and avoid relegation, as well as the 5s continuing their good form and winning their league.

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RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): Will Harrison

Childhood Team: Arsenal

Favourite team in the UK: Arsenal

Favourite team outside the UK: Borrusia Dortmund

Childhood Hero: Thierry Henry

Favourite Food: Gammon Steak and chips

Favourite Drink: Bulmers

Favourite Band: Not a band but Ed Sheeran (appropriately)