Platt Utd FC

I will never forget the game at King George’s Field, back in the late 80’s ………. it was a cold and wet November Saturday afternoon, Platt were behind by three goals going in to the last 10 mins with no realistic chance of changing the outcome of the result.

Merv was one of two subs that day, but was quite happy puffing away on his cigarette watching from the sidelines, no doubt looking forward to a nice hot shower, when up goes the flag to request a substitution. Merv drops his cigarette to the floor stubs it out with his boot and proceeds to walk on to the field.
The opposition's left back shouts “look out lads they’re bringing on Grandad!"

Well, for the last 10 minutes Platt took every opportunity to get the ball out to Merv ’the swerve’ on the wing and what transpired was without doubt the most impressive dismantling of a full back I have witnessed ………… he literally turned the full back inside out, nutmegs, drag backs, flicking the ball over his head and the longer it went on the more frustrated the defender became.

Even when Merv had the opportunity to cross into the box, knowing we could not win the game he decided to double back having already beaten the defender once to basically take him on again. The defender was broken and eventually lunged in to foul Merv as this seemed the only way to stop further embarrassment.

Merv was a prolific goalscorer and was feared by defenders throughout the county.

On a personal level it was a privilige to play in the same team as you Merv and you will never to be forgotten.
Rest In Peace 'Swerve'