Category: Player Profiles

NAME: Nick van Wensveen

TEAM: 1s

POSITION: Centre Midfield

BIRTH DATE: 13/12/1991

BIRTH PLACE: Sydney, Australia

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Southern NSW (Australia)

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

I moved over to the UK from Australia about 18 months ago after graduating from university. I started on the graduate scheme at BT and now find myself working as a Product Manager for BT Sport. Outside of work, I am usually planning my next trip as I love to travel.

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?

I had Mike Stone give Clappers my number after witnessing some magical skills at 5 a-side.

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

Scoring a very scrappy penalty in a shoot-out win over Bank of England in the cup.

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

Tottenham Hotspur – childhood team.

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

I usually like to get to the ground early (I don’t think this has happened once since I started getting a lift with Siri) and try to get my hands on one of the few medium sized jerseys.

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

Promotion back into Division 1.

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 RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season: Heung-Min Son (not biased)

Childhood Team: Tottenham Hotspur

Favourite team in the UK: Tottenham Hotspur

Favourite team outside the UK: Borussia Dortmund

Childhood Hero: Dennis Bergkamp

Favourite Food: Paella

Favourite Drink: James Squire ‘The Chancer’

Favourite Band: Two Door Cinema Club

NAME: Andy Lewis

TEAM: 3’s

POSITION: Still working it out

BIRTH DATE: 13/11/1991

BIRTH PLACE: Romford, Essex

PREVIOUS CLUBS: None, recently moved across from Rugby

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

Hi everyone, I work for BT (like many Merton players) and live in South London, having recently departed my homeland of Essex. My degree is in Sport and Exercise science so completely irrelevant to my current job, but sport has always been something I’ve been passionate about and I’ve played loads over the years. I would describe myself as fairly self-deprecating most of the time, layered with sarcasm and the occasional witty comment.

 

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?

I was introduced to the club by my good pal Mike Stone, who used to work with me at BT.

 

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

I’d say this is to be confirmed, but perhaps our dramatic penalty shoot out win in the cup a few weeks back. I bottled it and didn’t take one but we were all very happy.

 

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

Probably anywhere in the MLS for the weather and money.

 

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

Nope, other than lots of stretching these days since tearing my hamstring not that long ago.

 

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

On a personal level I’d like to simply know my best position and be comfortable knowing what I’m doing on an 11 a side pitch. As a team we’ve had a tough start but I think we are good enough to push up the table before long.

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RAPID FIRE:

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

Childhood Team: Romford & Gidea Park RFC

Favourite team in the UK: West Ham United

Favourite team outside the UK: Flamenco

Childhood Hero: Jonny Wilkinson

Favourite Food: Curry

Favourite Drink: Premium Lager

Favourite Band: Oasis

NAME: Ed Plaistow (AKA Scholesy)   

TEAM: 4s

POSITION: Manager/Left Back

BIRTH DATE: 3^rd July 1986

BIRTH PLACE: Carshalton

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Tooting Eagles

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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 Quantity Surveyor who works for a multi-discipline Cost Consultants based in Croydon. I class myself as a hard worker who is willing to put the time and effort in all I do to succeed…..even with Merton!

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?
I used to play in the Price Georges Youth Football League in Morden for a team called Tooting Eagles (managed by Clive Roberts who some might know from his time at Merton). After competing at U16 level it was time to move on with a number of us, including my brother Dan Plaistow, selected to represent the league against Merton. I’m not sure if it was the 1^st XI we were competing against however we did manage the win! I liked what I saw and the camaraderie of the players and I haven’t looked back since.

3. What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
I would have to say leading 5^th XI out in a SAL Cup final. Unfortunately we lost in extra time albeit against a strong Polytechnic side a number of leagues above us!

4. If you could play for a professional team,which would be it and why?
Would have to be the mighty reds of Manchester! Been a fan literally all my life.

5. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Funnily enough I have none!

6. Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
Unfortunately we were relegated last season so this season improvements need to be made. On paper were are in an easier league however with the first few results you would think otherwise. We are working hard to determine where we are going wrong and I have no doubt that once that first win comes that it will be one of many and we will hopefully be title challengers. A good cup run would be a bonus too!

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RAPID FIRE:

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

Childhood Team: Manchester Utd

Favourite team in the UK: Manchester Utd

Favourite team outside the UK: Don’t have one.

Childhood Hero: Paul Scholes

Favourite Food: Indian

Favourite Drink: Jack & Coke

Favourite Band: Red Hot Chili Peppers

 

 

NAME: Ryan Gresty

TEAM: 2s

POSITION: Centre mid

BIRTH DATE: 7/1/85

BIRTH PLACE: Norf London

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Old Finchleians 2002-2011

 

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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 Mechanical Engineer for TFL. So if you want to know some mildly interesting tube facts or just have a moan about the service, I’m your man. I’m also a big traveler; always keen on a trip away particularly if it involves riding a motorbike or watching England play cricket. Have I ever told you about the time I ended up on a huge piss up with half the England team after winning the Melbourne test in 2010?

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?

I used to hate playing against Merton when I was a north Londoner, especially when we (Finchley 3s) lost the league by a point to your lot in 2010/11. Once I moved south of the river I decided if you can’t beat em, join em and am delighted that I did.

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

Scoring the winner in the 2s’ pulsating 4-3 victory over Ally Park last season. Left footed… aimed for the bottom left corner….ball went top right. Then they went straight up the other end and we needed a Sherbs wonder save to seal the victory. I got very drunk that night!

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

The Detroit Red Wings NHL team. I used to play a bit of ice hockey, still watch plenty of it, and have been to a handful of Red Wings games over the years. When I got into hockey in the early 2000s they were perennial winners but these days they’re a bit crap so maybe I could get in the side if I dusted off my skates.

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

I listen to the Al Pacino speech from Any Given Sunday on the way to a game (and have been known to recite the whole thing on special occasions). Also the Gladiator sound track. Strength and honour!

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

Simple: winning the league with the 2s. It’s about time I brought in some silverware for MFC.

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RAPID FIRE:

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

Childhood Team: Man Utd

Favourite team in the UK: Heart of Midlothian

Favourite team outside the UK: Anyone who are playing England at football or rugby (sorry – Scottish heritage!)

Childhood Hero: Roy Keane

Favourite Food: Blueberry pancakes

Favourite Drink: Tea. Strong, no sugar and loads of milk please.

Favourite Band: Manic Street Preachers

 

 

 

NAME: Gabriel Draghici
TEAM:  2s
POSITION: RB, RWB, RM
BIRTH DATE: 03.04.1989
BIRTH PLACE: Bucharest, Romania
PREVIOUS CLUBS: St Martin

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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.

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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

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

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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.

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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

 

 

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

 

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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.

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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

 

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

 

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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.

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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

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

 

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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.

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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

 

 

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?!)

 

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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.

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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.