Thank You Melvin Mauritson

TAK MELVININO!

THIS WEDNESDAY’S CUP MATCH NOT ONLY MARKS AN IMPORTANT POINT IN THE CLUB’S 2022/23 SEASON, BUT IT WILL ALSO BE THE LAST TIME FORWARD MELVIN MAURITSON SUITS UP IN THE SOUTHAM YELLOW AND BLUE AS HE PLANS TO MOVE BACK TO HIS NATIVE DENMARK. THE YOUNG DANISH STRIKER CAME TO SOUTHAM A YEAR AGO AND IN THAT SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME HE HAS PROVEN HIS VALUE TO THE SQUAD AND SCORED SOME IMPORTANT GOALS TO TAKE THE CLUB BACK TO STEP 6 THROUGH PROMOTION. A PLAYER ALWAYS PRAISED BY TEAMMATES AND MANAGEMENT ALIKE, HE WILL BE MISSED OFF THE PITCH AS MUCH AS HIS TALENT AND ABILITIES WILL BE MISSED ON IT. WE SAT DOWN WITH MELVIN TO GET SOME OF HIS THOUGHTS BEFORE HE LEAVES US TO ESTABLISH HIS LIFE BACK IN DENMARK.

Since coming to Southam United you’ve made a huge impact, not only on the field, but also off it. What have been some of your favourite memories with the team?

“On the field I think it has to be our massive turnaround since the FC Stratford game this season. We’ve really come together and turned the ship in the right direction across all aspects of the field, and I believe this squad can push easily for the playoffs this season!

Off the field I’m most proud of the charity game we

recently put on at the club for my friend’s family to raise some funds. It technically wasn’t a Southam game but it had a fantastic spirit and loads of work from everyone at the club to make it a memorable day

You were a significant part of the group that secured promotion for the club to Step 6 last season. What factors do you think were in place for you to be so successful and to come into the squad and make a difference right away?

It took a few games to get on the score-sheet during >>

the first season for me, and obviously as a striker you’re dying for that goal to happen. I think the biggest reason for the success I had last season was the patience and belief everyone in management, but also the whole squad had in me. It took me 4 games I think, but for all of those 4 before I scored there was so much belief that it was coming and that it’ll turn around, which eventually it did! Against Yarnton and then it was just upwards from there.

What is the best thing about being a part of this team?

For me it has to be the chemistry across the board. Everyone is supportive in the whole 17 man squad and beyond every single game. Everyone is hungry to win and everyone is super supportive. No little arguments or feuds, and that makes a massive difference once you step on the field, as we’re all in it together every week.

Since you’ve come into the club a lot of things at Southam United have grown and changed. Where do you expect to see BHP and the club when you come back and visit us?

As I said, I definitely see the boys making playoffs, whether that be this season or next. I don’t see the Saints staying in Division 1 for a long time. The quality we have in every position is fantastic and every single part of management puts in massive graft, so I’m definitely expecting to come back later this year for some playoff games or maybe at the Ricoh for a cup final ;)

16 goals for the club. Do you have a favourite?

The most memorable one from this season has got to be the stoppage time winner against Kidlington. Absolute >> scenes there. But also a special mention to my first one for the club against Yarnton. That one felt good as well. >>

It’s obvious to see that you have a real thirst and joy for the game. Its something that management, teammates and supporters alike have noticed in you. Where did this attitude come from?

To be honest I think it developed over the few years I had out of the game. It made me really want to come back and prove myself and obviously Southam was the perfect setting for this. I made some fantastic memories and the hunger in the whole team definitely adds to my own.

Many people will be wondering, do you plan to keep playing when you get settled back in Denmark?

Absolutely. Playing at Southam has only made me more hungry and I am definitely going to continue my career. I have a few trials back home once I settle and then I will just see where it goes

What other plans do you have for when you move back to Denmark?

The main reason I am going back is family, so I’d say the biggest plan I have is to spend more time with my sisters and dad and just be more present in that aspect of my life!

Is there anything you’d like to say to the team, club, supporters, etc?

Just a massive thank you for welcoming me and having me. Everyone from Mike to the lads in the squad has been family to me whilst I’ve been here and I’ve got nothing but love for the whole establishment.

FIRST TEAM ASSISTANT LEE “BOOTS” WALKINSHAW

Firstly, I would like thank Melv welcoming not only me, but my family, since joining the Saints. This just goes to show what a person this lad is.

His efforts on the field have always been over 100% in training and matches. I was sad to hear that he is moving away but also proud of him for following his heart.

From all of my family we wish this lad all the best and we hope we all stay in touch.

THANK YOU MELV!