Category: Player Profiles

NAME: Andrew Graves but mostly known as Rat.

TEAM: Merton 1’s

POSITION: Right Back

BIRTH DATE: 25/01/83

BIRTH PLACE: Croydon

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Redhill, Egham Town & Molesey.

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

Outside of the club I am a Director of a Pop-Up Bar Business that supplies bars for various events. Off the pitch I would describe myself as a fairly relaxed person who enjoys watching and playing pretty much any sport and having a good drink every now and then.

How did you end up at Merton FC?

I played with former Merton FC Legend Lewis Ackerman at Molesey. When we both left he asked if I wanted to come to the Hood and join. 30 minutes of Clappers taking the piss out of my nickname, half a pre-season game and a portion of Spaghetti Bolognese was all it took to persuade me that this was the club for me.
What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?

Reaching a cup final and promotion to Div 1 a few years ago are team highlights but my bicycle kick finish for the match deciding 3^rd goal on Saturday (see 1’s match report) should live long in the memory for those that witnessed it…..
If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?

Easy….Crystal Palace FC. To pull on the red and blue jersey and play in front of the country’s best fans before having a night out with Sir Alan Pardew would be a true honour.
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

I try to take as long as possible to get changed thus avoid carrying the goals out. I also sit nowhere near Clappers if he has been taking Paracetamol during the week.

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

After last season’s struggles, a top half finish would be great, but more importantly, to make sure our new younger team additions are enjoying their football with us and stick with the club.

RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season: Alexei Sanchez

Childhood Team:   Crystal Palace FC

Favourite team in the UK:          Crystal Palace FC

Favourite team outside the UK: Valencia FC

Childhood Hero:     Paolo Maldini

Favourite Food:     Pizza 

Favourite Drink:     Any Craft Beer

Favourite Band:     Coldplay

NAME: Mike ‘Mustard’ Reed

TEAM: 3s – The Boars

POSITION: Wherever we’re looking a bit light.

BIRTH DATE: 29/10/77

BIRTH PLACE: Penzance, Cornwall (Kernow)

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Porthleven Rangers, Wendron United, Ironside

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

Live in Essex with girlfriend and step-daughter. Work for the National Crime Agency. Volunteer for the Samaritans. As Neil Impiazzi did, back in my first season, I would describe myself as keen as mustard.
How did you end up at Merton FC?

Moved from Cornwall to London in July 2001, within first few days of starting my new job, asked the first bloke in his twenties / thirties that I could find if he knew of any local teams. He gave me Lofty’s number, the rest is history.
What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?

Not necessarily the best but so many memorable moments with MFC:

Ranging from – scoring from a shot within the centre circle, having a free scoring purple patch on and off the pitch on club tour to Portugal and beating promotion rivals Old Parks away whilst having no more than 10 men on the pitch at any time

To – getting sent off after 0 seconds at Southgate Olympic, and getting cleaned out by the opposition keeper, again in Portugal, that led to me having foot surgery and missing approx 2 years of football (and putting on nearly 2 stone!)

The best ‘moment’ though was, the Lofty / Mustard double act of managing / captaining the 2s to promotion to division 1 in 2008/09 (the first Merton team to do so in 25 years) and then after a really hard fought season, retaining our place in the top division the following season.

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

Manchester United – I have supported them since I was 4 and followed them ever since. Growing up in Cornwall, supporting Man United was clearly a logical choice for me, given that they’re right on the doorstep. Bryan Robson was my favourite player, he played for Manchester United and that’s how it started for me.

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

On the morning of every game, I settle down in front of my laptop to see what’s happening on the internet whilst enjoying a wholesome serving of beans on toast.

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

Aside of all teams across the club having a good season, my goal is to ensure that the 3s reach a respectable league position, in what is a higher league after getting promoted last year. At least half of our players are new and we’re still in the process of finding our feet – they’re a good bunch of guys with decent ability, so despite a tricky start to the season, there are definitely signs of encouragement.

RAPID FIRE:

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

Childhood Team: Manchester United

Favourite team in the UK: Merton Football Club

Favourite team outside the UK: Real Madrid (as former Man Utd greats (Becks, RvN, CR7) joined them and I like to see their success continue)

Childhood Hero: Rocky Balboa

Favourite Food: Cornish Pasty (must be from Horse and Jockey)

Favourite Drink: Bloody Mary

Favourite Band: Massive Attack

NAME: Matthew Haswell     

TEAM: 6s

POSITION: Midfield

BIRTH DATE: 12/11/1980

BIRTH PLACE: Tooting

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Stoneleigh FC

Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
Outside of the club I am a Deputy Mortuary Manager at St Georges Hospital. I have 2 sons who also enjoy the game of football who I hope will join the youth section when they are old enough. I am also the club’s website editor. I would say that I have a good sense of humour and a laid back kind of person who enjoys life.

How did you end up at Merton FC?
I started dating the Ex-President, Terry Baker’s daughter and one of the conditions was that I joined Merton FC. I have now been at club since 2001.

What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
Winning the Intermediate Divison 3 league in 2004-2005 with Darren Pearce’s mighty 2s. Had a great team back then and great bar banter with them.
If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Would have to say Chelsea FC, childhood team who when on form, can play some good football.
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
I like to play in a short sleeve top, so try to make sure I grab one before anyone else.

Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
For my knees to allow me to continue playing, they are prone to injury/flare ups due to an ACL and meniscus injury playing at Old Parkonians in 2008. Although, it’s not looking to good but resisting to hang the boots up just yet.

RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): So far at Merton I would say Siraj the 1s keeper. Professional I would say Eden Hazard, think he is back to his best.

Childhood Team: Chelsea FC

Favourite team in the UK: Chelsea FC

Favourite team outside the UK: Real Madrid

Childhood Hero: Kurt Cobain/Johnny Depp

Favourite Food: Sunday Roast

Favourite Drink: Gin and Tonic

Favourite Band: Oasis/Foo Fighters

NAME: Will Low

TEAM: 1^st XI

POSITION: CM, DCM, RB, LB, RM…

BIRTH DATE: 06/12/1985

BIRTH PLACE: Shrewsbury

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Bridgnorth Town, Shrewsbury Town, Star Aluminum, Horsforth Fairweather

Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I work at Lord’s doing tech projects which combines the two things I’m most interested in, sport and technology. I’d describe myself in 3 words as quiet, laidback, reliable.

How did you end up at Merton FC?
I found the club on Gumtree while looking for a team when I moved to London. I checked out 2 teams, the first had 5 turn up for training while Merton had about 50 so I stuck with them.

What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
Getting promotion to Division 1 in 2014

If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Wolves, I support them.

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Arrive early to get a medium sized shirt.

Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
Promotion back to Division 1

RAPID FIRE:

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

Childhood Team: Wolves

Favourite team in the UK: Wolves

Favourite team outside the UK: Dortmund

Childhood Hero: Ryan Giggs

Favourite Food: Pepperoni Pizza

Favourite Drink: Neck Oil IPA

Favourite Band: Oasis

NAME: Dan Bridgeman

TEAM: 2s/3s Super Squad

POSITION: GK

BIRTH DATE: 17 August 1992

BIRTH PLACE: London

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Barnes Eagles, Mole Valley Predators, Sussex Uni 1s

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

I’m 24 going on 40 (apparently) and work in tax (no not for HMRC). Boring stuff aside enjoy pretty much anything sport related and generally just having a laugh with mates. At any given time outside of working hours the most likely place you’ll find me is on the golf course.  

How did you end up at Merton FC?

I graduated from Uni in 2013, moved home and after a couple of years out whilst studying professional exams I was looking for a club to get back in to the game with that didn’t take themselves too seriously. Having been down for a few months now, I’m fairly comfortable Merton fits the bill.

What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
I’d say probably my penalty save in the first game of the season, but mainly because it was purely down to the mind games I played on the striker psyching him out rather than it having any impact on the result.

If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Probably a bit of a left field choice, but I’d have to say the European Ryder Cup team. I’m crazy in to golf and I just don’t think there is another sporting event like the Ryder Cup. Plus I’d love to stick it to those Yanks, especially Patrick Reed!

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
I used to have a lucky undershirt as a kid up until I finished Uni (though I don’t wear it anymore), but looking back I think it only stayed lucky because I only wore it when I thought we were going to win because I didn’t want to lose the luckiness. These days though, the closest thing to a ritual is calling my dad for a match report post game and then ordering a curry.

Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
Really, I’m just looking to have some fun and get back in to football this year, I’m not putting any pressure on myself or the team, but it would be nice to avoid relegation given I think we were promoted last season with the 3s. From a personal perspective it’d nice to maintain my penalty save ratio at or above 50% where it is now too (shoot-outs don’t count!).

RAPID FIRE:

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

Childhood Team: Supported Chelsea, played for Barnes Eagles

Favourite team in the UK: Chelsea

Favourite team outside the UK: Seattle Seahawks

Childhood Hero: Gianfranco Zola

Favourite Food: Beef Wellington

Favourite Drink: Sober – tea, drunk – Jaeger Bombs apparently!

Favourite Band: Oasis

NAME: Mike Stone

TEAM: 2s/3s supersquad

POSITION: CM/CB

BIRTH DATE: 15/10/91

BIRTH PLACE: Aldershot

PREVIOUS CLUBS: distinctly average youth teams

Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I work in Digital Marketing on Personalised Videos. Outside of work my hobbies include disco dance, sunbathing and ping pong.

How did you end up at Merton FC?
Clappers scouted me on the pitch at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium (true story) and the rest, as they say, is history

What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
Having my first Merton goal stolen from me on the line by Tom Benham. He finished club top goalscorer last year, I wonder how…

If you could play for a professional team,which would be it and why?
Portsmouth- boyhood team

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
None as good as Mustard’s.

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

I’m part of the 2s/3s supersquad which has enough quality in it to challenge for the league(s). Would probably count 2s out of the cup for now though

RAPID FIRE:

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

Childhood Team: Portsmouth

Favourite team in the UK: Portsmouth

Favourite team outside the UK: BambinI FC 

Childhood Hero: Steven Gerrard

Favourite Food: Roast

Favourite Drink: Badger’s Fursty Ferret

Favourite Band: Red Hot Chili Peppers

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 ! 

NAME: Ram Mahbubani

TEAM: 6s

POSITION: LEFT BACK, RIGHT BACK, CENTRE MIDFIELD

BIRTH DATE: 02/02/1975

BIRTH PLACE: MIDDLESEX

PREVIOUS CLUBS: WINCHMORE HILL, ALEXANDRA PARK

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

I am a Graphic Designer working for a publishing company in North London specialising in the maritime industry. You may not know, but I also put together the Merton Way every week. If you read ‘Ram’s Heads Up’ then you might have drawn your own conclusions as to what kind of person I am, but I’m just a down to earth bloke who enjoys a good laugh but likes doing things against the norm.

How did you end up at Merton FC?

I was looking for a club near Sutton as my girlfriend lives down there as the travelling after football/cricket from North London on a Saturday evening was tiresome and long. So now I find myself travelling down on a Saturday morning from Wembley.

What was your best moment in your Merton FC career till now?

Not many memorable ones, that’s the problem when you play consistently well each week. Seriously, I would have to say first goal for the club against Civil Service. A left foot volley from the edge of the box with the goalkeeper nowhere near it.

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

FC Barcelona, my second team. To play that kind of football every week and in the Nou Camp would be a dream.

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

To make sure I have atleast one shot at goal, otherwise I don’t get many chances during the game.

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

To have a winning season with the sixes. That means win more than we lose! Also to be competitive in all our matches.

RAPID FIRE

Player of the season (so far): Heung-Min Son

Childhood Team: Tottenham Hotspur

Favourite team in the UK: Tottenham Hotspur

Favourite team outside the UK: FC Barcelona

Childhood Hero: Glenn Hoddle

Favourite Food: Girlfriend’s stews/casseroles

Favourite Drink: Single Malt Whisky on the rocks

Favourite Band: The Roots

Name: Jordan Cox
Team: 2s/3s super squad
Position: Right midfield
Birth Date:8/2/1993
Birth Place: Aintree, Liverpool
Previous Clubs: Other Amateur clubs

NAME: Tiago Carvalho

TEAM: 5s

POSITION: Defensive Midfield

BIRTH DATE: 02/11/1988

BIRTH PLACE: Canberra, Australia

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Kogarah Waratahs (NSW, Australia)

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

Nerd. Footballer. Nerd

How did you end up at Merton FC?

Mate of mine told me about it.

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

I’ve only played two games!

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

Canberra Raiders – childhood team

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

I like to think I put on my left shin guards first but that rarely happens.

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

Have an awesome run around and challenge for the title.

RAPID FIRE:

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

Childhood Team: Canberra Raiders

Favourite team in the UK: Chelsea

Favourite team outside the UK: Benfica

Childhood Hero: My parents

Favourite Food: Can’t go past chicken and chips

Favourite Drink: Pepsi

Favourite Band: Kanye?