Ahead of our clash with Heybridge Swifts, we caught up with Blues goalkeeper Melvin Minter. The shot stopper has settled into life well at The Brentwood Arena. He has established himself as a firm fan’s favourite, with supporters holding him in high regard and often singing his name, since joining us from Concord Rangers in January of this year.

Melvin’s taken a slightly different path in football to most, having spent time with Rising Ballers prior to playing professionally for the likes of Harrogate Town and Chesterfield. He was also a regular on hit TV show Soccer AM and has rubbed shoulders with some of the best players in the world.

These days, his footballing career sees him balance his time between playing for The Blues and working on brand content for the likes of Adidas, Under Armour and many other household names. He is also involved in an exciting app called Tonsser, which gives young players the chance to showcase themselves and provides them with opportunities at professional clubs around the world.

So where did it all start for Melvin?

“My grandma took me to my first ever footballing session, around 6 or 7 years young. Also, I grew up supporting Chelsea & still do.”

When asked if there was a particular player he looked up to in his younger days, there was of course a stand out goalkeeper for a young, Chelsea supporting Melvin to aspire to be like.

“Petr Cech was the footballing role model, that influenced me massively. He signed for Chelsea at a young age & was hugely successful for the club.”

Melvin’s rather unique career has seen him cross paths with some of the biggest names in world world football.

You’ve taken perhaps a slightly different career path to some of the other guys in the squad with your involvement in Soccer AM, playing for Rising Ballers and your social media work, but who would you say is the best player you’ve trained or played with?

“Yeah I’ve had quite a rollercoaster journey, in terms of footballing experiences in my career. The best player I’ve played with in a competitive environment, is probably Alfie Mawson (Brentford). The best player I’ve done social media content with, is Harry Kane. His finishing is outrageous.”

How do you typically prepare for a match? Do you have any pre- match superstitions?

“Haha nah I don’t believe in superstitions. I just make sure I’m physically & mentally prepared prior to match days. Also I’m chilled & focused on a game day.”

Who’s had the biggest influence on your career so far?

“Definitely my family, as they’ve encouraged my early interests in football from young & continue to morally support me throughout the highs & lows, in my career.”

Hopefully the next step in Melvin’s journey is silverware with Brentwood Town.