Mervyn started refereeing youth football in 2002, whilst his youngest son was playing for Southdown Athletic. He enjoyed doing youth football so much that he enrolled on an FA course held in Summer 2005 at Horsham YMCA, "The course was run by Tim Lawrence who was an excellent trainer" he told us. He did in fact pass a referees course way back in 1976 with Dave Ellmer, but unfortunately had to give up due to a family tragedy. In 1996 Mervyn and his wife Vee tragically lost their eldest son Stephen, after a long fight against illness aged just 11.

Merv is currently on Promotion Scheme from 7-6 and if successful wants to try out for 6-5 next season.He passed the SCFA Fitness Test in July this year with flying colours, covering 2700 metres in the 12 minutes - not bad for someone who is 50 this month!!

Married to Vee for 26 years, they have a son Matthew who is 12 years old and attends Chailey Secondary School.

An absolute football nutter he has been following Brighton & Hove Albion since 1971, and still has his season ticket, therefore he only officiates every other Saturday. " I always pay particular attention to the referees performance when watching the Albion," Merv as if to prove a point then reeled off the names of several referees he's seen and explains what he liked about their particular styles. "The best ref I've seen was Paul Durkin - he always had a smile on his face and was not afraid to talk to the players - it is something I try to emulate when in the middle", Merv explained.

Merv is generally found covering not only one game in the Millennium league but often adds a youth game in on a Sunday afternoon, such is his dedication.
This season has seen him move into county league football and he seems to be enjoying himself, "I've noted how much more time the players seem to have on the ball. It's great to be part of a team and I hope to gain valuable experience from the refs in the middle".

In between weekends Mervyn somehow finds time to fit in the role of Distribution Manager at Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Ltd. " I have worked for them since July 1st 1976 and I am the longest serving employee worldwide within the organisation !! "

Good luck to Mervyn and his family and we very much hope he'll achieve his level 6 next year!