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Player Profile – Dan Bridgeman
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