MAGIC MAN PART II
Sam Merson is looking to follow in his dad’s footsteps by creating FA Cup history of his own
SAM MERSON learned all he knows playing alongside famous father Paul in the parks of the Chiswick & District Sunday League – now he wants to create some FA Cup headlines like his old man.
The Magic Man ran west London club Whitton Athletic up until last year and even at 47 showed his class in central midfield.
He was regularly roped in by his two sons Sam and Ben to make up the numbers and the trio completed a formidable side which added league and cup medals to their collections.
Merson’s youngest is looking to make his name in the competition for St Albans City just like the former Arsenal star did back at Wembley in 1993.
They have possibly the most tricky task of anyone – trying to take Carlisle United’s undefeated record.
Important
But the Saints hold home advantage and the 21-year-old is convinced the National League South side can be the ones to finally defeat Keith Curle’s side.
Merson said: “It’s a great game for the club. I think home advantage could be really important – Clarence Park is a very traditional Non-League ground and we’ve got to make use of the fact that they’re more used to going to bigger stadiums with better facilities.
“I’m also glad it’s at our place because my dad will come and watch! He’s got his ticket and it will be the first time he’s been down this season because his job at Sky is every Saturday.
“We used to play together for Whitton for a few years, that was a lot of fun and a real family affair. It was great to be in the same side and he still plays locally and still loves a run out, he’s signed up for a few Sunday clubs. We had a good little team at Whitton but I can’t get away with playing Sunday League any more!
“He taught me a lot and dad’s won the FA Cup of course. I grew up being told how great this competition is and although I wasn’t born when he lifted it I know how important that day was – I would love to go on a great run with St Albans.”
Could it be a great day for another Arsenal great? Although tricky for sure for Ian Allinson’s side, the Cumbrians come to Hertfordshire knowing they face a team in form – and the ex-Gunners winger has done a sensational job not only saving the Saints from the drop when they looked doomed last April, but he has them in promotion contention a few months on.
Merson added: “Carlisle are clearly a really strong team but we’re playing well ourselves and I don’t think they’ll have it all their own way.
“We have won our last five games and in the last two, against Truro City and Bishop’s Stortford, we scored ten times. We also beat Worthing 6-0 in an earlier round – we’re on a great run. Clearly we’re underdogs but I think we’ll have a great crowd behind us and they’ll give us a bit extra. We’re a club on the up, no doubt.” Merson is keen to make it in the pro game after being released by Watford two years ago. He added: “I’m ambitious, I want to go as far as I can but I’m perhaps paying for a mistake I made when I was a child. “When I was 14 I gave up football. I was doing very well but I just lost interest and stopped playing. That two years out set my game back as when I turned 16 I really wanted it again. “I couldn’t imagine not playing the game now. I was playing football on Saturdays and Sundays not so long ago but I’ll just keep working hard. You never know who’s watching.”