By, Danny Caro
5 min read
ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Holders Brady Maccabi are strong favourites in Sunday's MMFL Henry Swerner Cup final. Here, we meet the underdogs.
Lee 'the gaffer' Rich (centre back): Now well into his role as gaffer, he is very proud of his managerial record of leading the team to successive cup finals. He is also very proud of his heading ability which is second to none. A tough-tackling defender who is also responsible for supplying the all important question of the day before every match!
James Bloom (Right-back): Immensely enjoys his rewarding role as Head of all things admin and runs the team with Lee. Was one of the founding players of Faithfold Masters and has been with us ever since. Used to play right midfield but since his blistering pace went he is now a tough tackling defender! Has been ever-present this season and is looking forward to actually being fit for this year's final (correct at the time of printing!)
Paul 'Goldie/Eddie' Gold (left back/left midfield): He was delighted to have retained his position of Head of match day balls and medical kit! Ever-present left-sided defender who is very proud of scoring only his second career goal this season! Goldie can often be seen pounding the streets of Bushey in his constant bid to improve his fitness, think Rocky but without the steps!
Mitch Klein (anywhere except keeper or striker): Mr Versatile, every team needs a Mitch and once again his calm nature and speed of thought have proved a massive asset to the team this season. Mitch is very popular and is always willing to play in pretty much every position when needed, he does equally well wherever he plays and has had an outstanding campaign
Jason Levy (Centre back): Now into his second season with Faithfold and always 100 per cent committed to every challenge and every game. He has been hampered by injury this season but is thankfully back to full fitness now. As per last season, Jason has chipped in with a few vital goals this season and is a constant threat to the opposition at set pieces. As usual he is the longest in the changing room!
Clive Nathan (centre back/centre midfield): Team skipper who once again has lead by example this season. A more committed player it would be hard to find and once again has played the centre midfield role very well this season. Clive loves a battle and is always up for a challenge. Faithfold are sure he models himself on the great Tony Adams!
Paul Chilton (centre mid): Paul may be one of the more 'senior' players in the squad but the way he plays belies his age! Paul has enjoyed a very good season and is a very valuable member of the squad. He constantly says his body tells him he should quit but his teammates believe he has got at least another 10 good years ahead of him
Adam 'ex-gaffer' Lustigman (Centre mid): Lusty started Faithfold Masters and although he no longer runs the team due to work commitments, he has played a fair number of games this season. His 'Molby-esque' stature and technique make him a very valuable member of the team, when he is available. He is also the only member of the squad with a coaching badge so is always in charge of putting out the cones (Wayne!)
Russell Rich (Midfield): Russ started off the season like Ronaldo with six goals in six games. His goal scoring exploits have dried up a bit since then but he is always a threat with his free-kicks and penalties. Russ is an excellent player and has a very calm nature which is always useful when others are losing their heads around him! Another excellent season and Faithfold hope Russ finds his scoring touch again in the final
Joel Nathan (Striker): A very different tale from last season, after starting the season late as usual due to the customary enforced break (suspension), he has not picked up a single booking. Thankfully he has also managed to score very regularly and is once again comfortably Faithfold's top-scorer. An assured finisher with pace, he always causes problems for every defence he plays against
Darren Gurner (Striker): As always Darren has chipped in with some very important and decent goals. As always Darren is always willing to cover several positions but clearly his best position is up front - giving opposition defenders a headache!
Paul Gelernter (goalkeeper (for now!): Paul once again has taken the keeper's gloves for the season despite being a quality centre back. He has had another superb season and has now made the position his own. A pleasure to play in front of, you can always rely on plenty of screaming if you dare to stray out of position!
Andy Hearn (left-mid/left-back): Once again Andy has taken the role of left midfield although he is equally comfortable at left back. You get 100 per cent commitment from Andy who is a tough tackler and also delivers a very accurate set-piece. He also has Delap-esque throwing ability. Andy likes to confront the opposition at times but Faithfold wouldn't have him any other way!
Paul 'Sid' Gold (midfield/striker): A new recruit this season from Harmen, Paul has been a superb addition to the squad having an excellent first season. A very quick and tricky winger/forward he always causes the opposition plenty of problems. Always one of the most enthusiastic members of the squad who has quickly adapted to the 'pace' of Masters football
Jonny Mack (Midfield): Another new recruit this season from Faithfold in the MSFL. Mack has been an excellent signing and has had a superb first season. A cultured left foot who can pick out a pass a la Wilshere, and having run the London Marathon previously is certainly not short on fitness! Faithfold hope Mackwill be an asset to the squad for years to come!
Jason Rich (Midfield/striker): A returning member of the team, Jason has played for Faithfold before but left briefly for a swan-song in the MSFL. Faithfold are delighted that he decided to re-join as he does the running for the rest of the team; the body of a 41-year-old perhaps but the energy of a 10-year-old! Jason has had a great season, chipping in with a few vital goals and Faithfold are very pleased he decided to 'retire' from the MSFL. Every team needs a Jason Rich!
Nick Roman (Midfield): A new recruit this season from Faithfold B. A skilful player who likes to beat the odd player (not literally). He joined midway through the season and Faithfold hope to see more of him next season
Adam Barton (midfield/striker): Another player who joined during the season from Faithfold in the MSFL. A lightning quick winger who always causes problems to the opposition. Faithfold are sure he will be a regular feature of the squad for next season
Dan O'Connor (Defender/goalkeeper): A new recruit this season, coming from Faithfold C. A very useful defender and keeper. His season has been restricted due to injury but Faithfold certainly hope to see more of him next season
Gary Good (midfielder/striker): Gary's season has been restricted due to injuries and other commitments. Always a very useful player to have around with his experience and ability to retain the ball