Frankie Edward Peter Merrifield (born 8 January 1994) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder or forward for Billericay Town.
Career
AFC Wimbledon Merrifield signed his first professional contract with AFC Wimbledon in December 2011, having joined the club's youth system at the age of 16 two years previously. Merrifield's contract with the club was extended on 18 May 2012. Merrifield made his league debut in a 5–1 defeat by Bradford City on 25 August 2012 as an 87th minute substitute for Christian Jolley. The midfielder scored his first senior goal for AFC Wimbledon in the first round of the 2012–13 Football League Trophy against Southend United on 4 September 2012, although the game ended in a 2–1 defeat after Ryan Cresswell scored for the Shrimpers in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Merrifield made his first league start for the Dons on 8 September 2012 in a 2–0 defeat against Northampton Town. On 30 November 2012, Merrifield was loaned out to Isthmian League Premier Division side Harrow Borough on an initial two-month loan deal along with teammate Emmanuel Akokhia. He made his debut for The Boro in a 0–0 draw with Whitehawk on 1 December 2012. On 8 December 2012, he struck a first-half equaliser for Harrow Borough against East Thurrock United, with the match eventually ending as a 3–2 defeat. On 29 January 2013, Merrifield scored his second league goal in a 3–2 loss to Metropolitan Police. On 4 February 2013, it was announced that Merrifield's loan spell had been extended by a further month. On 4 March 2013, it was announced that Merrifield had returned to AFC Wimbledon. During his loan spell he made ten appearances for Harrow Borough, scoring twice. On 1 July 2013, it was announced that Merrifield had left AFC Wimbledon.
Hayes & Yeading United Merrifield featured in two of Hayes & Yeading United's pre-season matches after Phil Babb made his interest in the midfielder known. On 27 July 2013, he scored one goal in the 3–1 victory over Wealdstone, in the 63rd minute. On 15 August, he was announced as one of the club's new summer signings.
Bishop's Stortford In October 2014, Merrifield signed for Bishop's Stortford. He scored on his debut against Eastbourne Borough.
Chelmsford City On 31 May 2016, Merrifield joined manager Rod Stringer and teammate Anthony Church in the switch from Bishop's Stortford to Chelmsford City.
Canvey Island On 30 December 2016, Merrifeld joined Canvey Island on dual registration.
He signed permanently for the Gulls in June 2017. During his time with the club he switched from a midfielder to a striker.
East Thurrock United Merrifield spent one year with the Rocks, scoring 17 goals in all competitions before the season was curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
Bishop's Stortford return Merrifield rejoined Bishop's Stortford for the 2020–21 season. He spent three years at the club during his second spell, culminating in the team winning the 2022–23 Isthmian League Premier Division, with Merrifield voted Supporters' Player of the Season.
Billericay Town In June 2023 after Bishop's Stortford were promoted to the National League North, Merrifield opted to remain in the Isthmian League Premier Division due to family and work commitments, signing with Billericay Town.
Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAFC Wimbledon2012–13League Two50001161Harrow Borough (loan)2012–13Isthmian League Premier Division1020000102Hayes & Yeading United2013–14Conference South38211304232014–15Conference South70100080Total4522130503Bishop's Stortford2014–15Conference South24300302732015–16National League South3410053394Total5840083667Chelmsford City2016–17National League South800020100Canvey Island2016–17Isthmian League Premier Division21400002142017–18Isthmian League Division One North42510404752018–19Isthmian League Division One North381410324216Total10123207211025East Thurrock United2019–20Isthmian League Premier Division301421423617Bishop's Stortford2020–21Isthmian League Premier Division6552211382021–22Isthmian League Premier Division3519203240212022–23Isthmian League Premier Division402210424524Total814682959853Career total338911443413386108
Notes A. Although Soccerway only credits Merrifield with one league goal for Hayes & Yeading United, the team's official website credits him with two. The discrepancy occurs in 15 April game against Dorchester Town – Soccerway lists the first goalscorer as Freddie Ladapo, but the Hayes & Yeading United match report credits it to Merrifield. The video highlights of the game verify Merrifield as the goalscorer. B. Soccerway and the Aylesbury United Archive differ for this season by one appearance and one goal. It is considered the Aylesbury United Archive is correct regarding the appearance discrepancy (against Hemel Hempstead Town on 19 September 2015), as a tweet shows that Dymon Labonne was still on the pitch in the 85th minute, after Soccerway states he was substituted off. However, it is considered that Soccerway is correct for the goal discrepancy (against Chelmsford City on 29 February 2016), as YouTube footage shows that it was an own goal by Christian Dibble.
References
External links