Wednesday 5th August after training (approx 8.30pm) in the clubhouse area there will be the clubs AGM.  Please come along to find out what the plans are for the new season ahead given the current situation.   

With the AGM coming up this week, we’d like to formally announce that Max Herbert is standing down as chairman of the club after more than two decades of dedicated service. Please see note below from Max.

I’m sure I speak for everyone at the club when I say a profound thank you to Max for all he has done for Merton over the years. His contribution has been colossal; not least the things that quietly happen behind the scenes so that we can enjoy our footballing experience all the more – epitomising the selfless manner in which he has given his time and effort.

The club remains in very capable hands, with Clappers having taken the reins. But, needless to say, Max’s legendary status in Merton FC folklore has long been secured. We now wish him everything of the best in his recovery, and hope to see him down at the Hood again soon.

All the best,


Note from chairman Max Herbert

It is Merton’s AGM on Wednesday and I am standing down as chairman and not standing for the committee and this is after more than twenty years of involvement. Unfortunately I haven’t been at the club much this last season. In September 2019 I was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus and I handed my duties over to Simon (Clappers). He has done a terrific job of managing the club and I am very grateful to him and the members that have helped him in what has been such a difficult time.

Since my diagnosis I have had two series of weapons grade chemo, one before and one after the major surgery to remove the tumour on my oesophagus. The treatment has necessarily been brutal but has all gone to plan. The surgery is life changing and recovery has been frustratingly slow and it may be another 12 months before I will achieve anything like normality. I need to devote all my energies to my recovery.

So after more than 21 years I am handing over to the very competent management team that will be taking the club forward, led by Clappers. Merton is a terrific football club because of its members and that is one of the main reasons I have enjoyed my involvement and am grateful for the support, help and friendship I have received from Clappers, Len, Toddy, Mustard, Lofty, Sherbs and too many others to mention. I hope to come down to the Hood and support the boys in the future but that probably won’t be until next year. I wish you all the best of fortune for a successful season and with its strong membership and leadership I am confident that Merton will continue to flourish on and off the field.

Max