Category: Player Profiles

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 – a job definition I have yet to fully understand myself – for a financial services company. It’s even less interesting than it sounds, but it’s been enough to give me an open door into London life. I’m a pretty easy-going, sociable guy. Although less so when I’m 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, I’ve 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 doesn’t await.

Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
After a “frenetic” first game, I’d like to see our team come together. After getting relegated last year, I feel like we’re in with a great chance of competing at the upper end of the league, so that’s 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

NAME: Marc Wilson

TEAM: Handsome (2s)

POSITION: Centre Half

BIRTH DATE: 28.03.86

BIRTH PLACE: Chertsey

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Millmead FC, Cobham Cougars

---

Tell us who is Marc outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
Away from the club, I am recently married to Thea. I am a keen runner and generally interested in fitness. I work as a bank manager, the less said about that the better.

How did you end up at Merton FC?
It was Chris Rayners fault.

What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
Watching Ben Cook have to drink 6 pints on the bounce for consecutive infractions (6 before 6), also captaining the two’s to winning the league and reaching a cup final in the same season.

Can you remember your first game?
Ha ha, no 🙁

If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Leeds United. Only club for me.

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Good solid breakfast, plenty of water and possibly a gingerbread man.

Lastly, share us your thoughts for the rest of the season?
Difficult start for the 2’s this year but we have the makings of a great squad and have started to pick up some good results. Hopefully can continue this into the new year and have a strong season.

---

Rapid Fire:

PLAYER OF THE SEASON SO FAR (PREMIER LEAGUE OR ANY LEAGUE): Jamie Vardy

CHILDHOOD TEAM: Leeds United

FAVOURITE TEAM OUTSIDE THE UK: Hawthorne Hawks

CHILDHOOD HERO: Tony Yeboah

FAVOURITE FOOD: Italian

FAVOURITE DRINK: Rum & Ginger

FAVOURITE BAND: One Direction

 

 

TEAM: Currently 6th however have played for every team from 1st to 8ths and Vets
POSITION: Have boots will travel
BIRTH DATE: 24.08.1961
BIRTH PLACE: Clapham
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Only Merton on a Saturday playing since 1978

---

1. TELL US WHO IS MARTIN OUTSIDE OF THE CLUB. WHAT DO YOU DO,
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Training hard to keep playing for along as possible and to do other sports X-country when games are called
off. In the summer have do Track & Field athletic’s, Aussie Rules football and now Triathlons. I do enjoy a drink
at the weekend!!

2. HOW DID YOU END UP AT MERTON FC?
Dad joined in 1959 after leaving Pearl FC. I have been with Merton man & boy

3. WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MOMENT IN YOUR MFC CAREER TILL NOW?
There are 3 that jump out:
1984: 4th team v Old Stationers in the cup Home win 4-3 AET with 30 mins left we were 3-0 down
2001: 4th team v Nottsborough, home league win 2-1 – Man of the Match performance
(John Gridley was in Goal)
200: 7th team v Kew 9ths, home League win 7-6 coming back to score 2 including the winner before rolling
subs, opps agreed because of an injury on an Easter Saturday
There were also the land marks of 600, 700 & 800 games along with all 270 goals.
Worst: Breaking my cheekbone playing for the 4th team at home (2 months after the Nottsborough game)
800 NOT OUT

4. CAN YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST GAME?
It was along time ago in 1978. It was a pre-season friendly against Old Workingians for the 7th team followed
by home can game against Crouch End Vampires. The first game I remember is for 3rd team away against Old
Latymerians on the Saturday between Christmas & New Year 1978

5. IF YOU COULD PLAY FOR A PROFESSIONAL TEAM, WHICH WOULD BE IT AND WHY?
Wimbledon FC in their day, playing the way Merton played.

6. DO YOU HAVE ANY PRE-MATCH RITUALS OR SUPERSTITIONS?
Stretching & Strides (Shaving after the match)

7. LASTLY, SHARE US YOUR THOUGHTS FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON.
Early days and after slow start in the Cup games we look like the 6th team could have a good season ahead.
It certainly looks like it’s going to be good fun.

---

QUICK FIRE

PLAYER OF THE SEASON SO FAR (PREMIER
LEAGUE OR ANY LEAGUE): Riyad Mahrez
CHILDHOOD TEAM: Manchester United
FAVOURITE TEAM OUTSIDE THE UK: Barcelona
CHILDHOOD HERO: Daley Thompson
FAVOURITE FOOD: Italian
FAVOURITE DRINK: London Pride
FAVOURITE BAND: Status Quo

TEAM: 5th Team
POSITION: Right Back
BIRTH DATE: 13.03.86
BIRTH PLACE: Enfield
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Potters Bar Utd, Crouch End Vampires

---

1. TELL US WHO IS WILL OUTSIDE OF THE CLUB. WHAT DO YOU DO,
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF? I work in advertising which is a lot more interesting then it
sounds. Outside of work love going out with my mates and spending time with the family (especially my
niece). In general I’m a laid back guy who doesn’t take himself or life too seriously.

2. HOW DID YOU END UP AT MERTON FC? I moved down from North London and a friend told me about
Merton, (he had played against them before) so I turned up to pre season training and the rest is history.

3. WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MOMENT IN YOUR MFC CAREER TILL NOW? Haven’t been too many to shout
about but my second season at Merton was a good one. I was playing for the 6’s and we had a great team.
Finished near the top of the league and had a good run in the cup.

4. CAN YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST GAME? It was a pre season friendly (not sure who against) and I
started up front. Didn’t take them long to realise that my best position was a lot further back.

5. IF YOU COULD PLAY FOR A PROFESSIONAL TEAM, WHICH WOULD BE IT AND WHY?
The mighty Arsenal. Supported them as a boy, it was always my dream to play for them.

6. DO YOU HAVE ANY PRE-MATCH RITUALS OR SUPERSTITIONS? Just the 7 or 8 pints the night before

7. LASTLY, SHARE US YOUR THOUGHTS FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON. We’ve got a fairly new team
and results haven’t been great so far. Would be good for us to gel as a team, play some attractive football and
win as many games as possible between now and the end of the season.

---

QUICK FIRE

PLAYER OF THE SEASON SO FAR (PREMIER LEAGUE OR ANY LEAGUE): Jamie Vardy
CHILDHOOD TEAM: Arsenal
FAVOURITE TEAM OUTSIDE THE UK: Real Madrid
CHILDHOOD HERO: Ian Wright
FAVOURITE FOOD: Steak & Chips
FAVOURITE DRINK: Beer
FAVOURITE BAND: Blink 182

TEAM: 1st Team
POSITION: Left Back/Left Wing
BIRTH DATE: 24.03.86
BIRTH PLACE: Washington, D.C.
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Norfolk, Virginia USA and OAS

---

1. TELL US WHO IS WILL OUTSIDE OF THE CLUB. WHAT DO YOU DO,
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
I am an American, management consultant who works for FTI Consulting. I moved to London in July of this
year for work and plan to stay here for several years.

2. HOW DID YOU END UP AT MERTON FC?
I was playing in a pickup game after work in Battersea and met Ivan Gladkow, who asked me to join the club.

3. WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MOMENT IN YOUR MFC CAREER TILL NOW?
My best moment so far was getting the assist to Ivan Gladkow on the equalising goal against Old Esthameians.

4. CAN YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST GAME?
Yes, my first game with Merton was the first game this season against EBOG FC.

5. IF YOU COULD PLAY FOR A PROFESSIONAL TEAM, WHICH WOULD BE IT AND WHY?
I’d play for Chelsea because I support them and live closest to them.

6. DO YOU HAVE ANY PRE-MATCH RITUALS OR SUPERSTITIONS?
I like to take as many cracks on goal as I can.

7. LASTLY, SHARE US YOUR THOUGHTS FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON.
I am excited to get to know the club and move the 1s up the league table

---

QUICK FIRE

PLAYER OF THE SEASON SO FAR (PREMIER LEAGUE OR ANY LEAGUE): Robert Lewandowski
CHILDHOOD TEAM: Pittsburgh Steelers
FAVOURITE TEAM OUTSIDE THE UK: DC United
CHILDHOOD HERO: Claudio Reyna
FAVOURITE FOOD: Peanut Butter
FAVOURITE DRINK: Bourbon
FAVOURITE BAND: Blink 182

 

FACT FILE

TEAM: 1XI

POSITION: Goalkeeper

BIRTH DATE: 02/04/1991

BIRTH PLACE: London

CLUBS: None

---

RAPID FIRE

Player of the season (so far): Me, but I messed that up after the cup final

Childhood Team: Chelsea

Favourite tean outside the UK: Don’t have one

Childhood Hero: Some artistic bugger who none of you will know

Favourite Food: Sticky Toffee Pudding

Favourite Drink: White Russian

Favourite Band: The Strokes

---

INTERVIEW WITH ANGUS LEES

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

Part time property developer and freelance photographer looking for a full time job. (Woody or anybody else please give me a job.)

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?

Scouted out by Max through his next door neighbour.

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

Semi final pen win this season

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

3 doobies on a friday night.

5. Lastly, share us your thoughts for the rest of the season.

Please please please can we not get relegated, league 2 it is so shite.

 

FACT FILE

TEAM: Team Handsome (They’ve obviously relaxed the entry criteria)

POSITION: Utility Man

BIRTH DATE: 09/11/1989

BIRTH PLACE: Shrewsbury

CLUBS: Admaston (Telford), Cedars Park (Suffolk), Homerton College (Cambridge)

---

RAPID FIRE

Player of the season (so far): David De Gea – Utd would be scrapping with Leicester without him.

Childhood Team: Shrewsbury Town

Favourite tean outside the UK: Wisla KrakÓw

Childhood Hero: Stone Cold Steve Austin

Favourite Food: Middle-Eastern

Favourite Drink: Predator (when Richie Moore drinks it)

Favourite Band: No favourite

---

INTERVIEW WITH LIAM STEVENS (OR IS IT RYAN. WHO KNOWS?)

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

Born in Shrewsbury and grew up in Telford, Shropshire. Since leaving seven years ago I’ve lived in Cambridge to study Chemical Engineering – then have lived in Suffolk, Liverpool, Leeds, Zürich and now here with work. Currently run the planning team for Hellmann’s, Colman’s and Maille at Unilever in Leatherhead. Big fan of Shrewsbury Town FC, travelling, reading, boxing and Richard Eggleston when he is being nice – but my main sport growing up was crown green bowls (genuinely).

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?

The club upgraded Ryan to version 2.0 at the start of this season after the old version developed some rust from a season on the bench.

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

The short time I spend every week with a view of the MMH trophy.

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

Wouldn’t say no to a stint at Barcelona if they felt they ever needed my services. Never say never – hard to draw a comparison between Messi and me – we are a completely different type of player. It’s the only team in Europe where I would feel like a pretty big bloke.

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

Attend a group breakfast at Eggs Benedict in South Wimbledon to give and receive compliments from Team Handsome members.

6. Lastly, share us your thoughts for the rest of the season.

Will Taylor to score some goals, David Quainton to get an injury, Richie Moore to tell some lies.

 

 

FACT FILE
TEAM: 3XI
POSITION: Centre Midfield… or various others!
BIRTH DATE: 22/08/1984
BIRTH PLACE: Hillingdon
CLUBS: Too many to list!

---

RAPID FIRE

Player of the season (so far): Eden Hazard
Childhood Team: Chelsea
Childhood Hero: David Beckham or Super Frankie Lampard
Favourite Food: Sushi
Favourite Drink: Whisky
Favourite Band: SClub7

---

INTERVIEW WITH DARCY YATES

1. Tell us who is Darcy outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
Work in the city for Watches of Switzerland, Mappin & Webb, Goldsmiths and the Watch Shop.
Good laugh, happy go lucky lad

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?
Tony dragged me down.

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

4. If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
England. Great privilege to represent your country.

5. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Need a Boost chocolate bar and some Jelly babies

6. Lastly, share us your thoughts for the rest of the season.
Few games left, hopefully we can continue our better form…!
Will be good to see the 1st team win the cup.

FACT FILE
TEAM: 2XI, 3XI & 4XI
POSITION: Goalkeeper
BIRTH DATE: 23/08/1987
BIRTH PLACE: Liepaja, latvia
CLUBS: Old Sedcopians

---

RAPID FIRE
Player of the season (so far): David de Gea
Childhood Team: SK Liepajas Metalurgs
Favourite team in the UK: West Ham Utd
Favourite team outside the UK: FK Liepaja

Childhood Hero: Batman
Favourite Food: Pizza
Favourite Drink: Tea
Favourite Band: Oasis, Prata Vetra (Brainstorm) & Rammstein

---

INTERVIEW WITH ARTURS IVANOVS

1. Tell us who is Arturs outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I would consider myself as a nice and friendly person who`s quiet and has a relaxed and analytical approach to life.
I like to spend my time outdoors and have a good night out with friends. Football is my number one sport, but I like to get involved in almost any competitive sporting activities.
I currently work for an online contact lens retailer as a stock controller. Occasionally I enjoy reading a good book.

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?
One of my Thursday`s 5 a side teammates plays for the 1`s and he got me playing for Merton.

3. What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
Several clean sheets in a row in my debut 2013/2014 season.

4. If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
FK Liepaja, it would be always an honour to play as the No. 1 for your childhood team.

5. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Just a reminder to myself- If I screw up, they probably will lose the game.

6. Lastly, share us your thoughts for the rest of the season.
Win as much games as possible without cancelling other fixtures and recruit more players in off season.

FACT FILE

TEAM: 3XI / 4XI

POSITION: Right Back/Right Midfield

BIRTH DATE: 20/02/1980

BIRTH PLACE: Ecuador

CLUBS: Tigres JV (South American league in London)

---

RAPID FIRE

Player of the season (so far): Eden Hazard

Childhood Team: FC Barcelona

Favourite team outside the UK: LDU Quito (Ecuadorian team that played 2008 FIFA Club World Cup Final)

Childhood Hero: Diego Maradona

Favourite Food: Spanish Tapas

Favourite Drink: Sparkling Water

Favourite Band: Muse

---

INTERVIEW WITH RICARDO IGLESIAS

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

I consider myself a friendly person, committed to the beautiful game of Football and a proud new father of a 11 month baby called Ethan who hopefully would join Merton in a few years. I do work as an Account Manager for a Cleaning and Security company in London.

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?

Through a work client Peter Heyne who was involved in training at Merton FC in 2009.

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

I would say my first goal scored for Merton but to be honest I hardly remember it now, there is a bit of a best moment in every game I play for the club as I enjoy playing for Merton.

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

Crystal Palace, I live near the Stadium and I have gone to a few matches the atmosphere there is fantastic and although I always liked Manchester United I would feel honoured to play for the Eagles.

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

Just a prayer before the match for a free injury match, and the victory of course lol.

6. Lastly, share us your thoughts for the rest of the season.

Pick up points in all games as possible and also hoping that more players commit with the club to have full squads through out the teams.