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500appearances
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SERGE WEINBERGER
"Serge, how did you come to be involved with Temple Fortune initially?" "If I remember from memory, I'd been playing for Bushey who were not doing too well, players were leaving. I then decided to join Temple Fortune who had players I knew, such as Alan Ferney (later Davidoff) who was already playing for Temple Fortune at the time." "What do you remember about your debut for the club?" "I'd be very honest I can't remember, it was 1996-97. It would be good to know who we played against, and if we won." "Sadly, I do not have appearance records for each game, only the season-by-season totals. I know you used to play at centre-half for Stonegrove and Bushey. What do you remember about those days?" "I remember being young and able to run and tackle! I played with some great players who were older. I learned a lot especially at Bushey when I started playing with Richards Franks at the back, he was an awesome centre back. Unfortunately lots of the older players started leaving due to other commitments." "When did you first play in goal and do you have any early recollections of how you did?" "I first started playing in goal by accident after our goalkeeper got injured. I volunteered to play in goal. I'd never really played in goal before but I really enjoyed it. In fact one of my heroes is Pat Jennings – what a superb goalkeeper. I met him years ago, a true gentleman." "Reaching the 2004/05 Barry Goldstein Trophy final was a big achievement for Temple Fortune. Although the result did not go Fortune's way, what do you remember about the day?" "I remember the game well. The pitch was rock hard, I thought I made a few good saves, we were very unfortunate, Mark Herman and Dean Ingram both got injured early on. We played a team if I remember were a division above us. Great effort to get to the final." "Who would you say have been your favourite stand-out TF players over the years?" "Bryan Silver, great midfield maestro. A great passer of the ball and a goalscorer. Unfortunately he had to give up due to injury and was missed by the team." "Nick Waitsman or David Goldberg? You played under both long-serving Old Boys managers so who was your favourite and why?" "Nick without a doubt. I loved Nick – he was really passionate, a real gentleman. Sadly missed." "The Club website records that you were on the Management Committee in two separate seasons. Firstly, in 2002/03 as Second Team Assistant Secretary when Andy Fridkin ran the team. And then for one season in 2010/11 when you served as Old Boys Team Administration Secretary with David Goldberg as the manager. What do you recall of your time 'in office' on both occasions?" "When Andy and I took over, we had a tough time. We had a few young players and I used to have to wake two of them up every week, they they were never ready. We went one season losing every game until we played a double-header against one of the top teams. We lost the first game and then won the second game; we then went on a run winning some games. I'd be honest – I don't remember too much about the role of Admin secretary to David Goldberg. I think David did most of the organising." "In May 2021, the Old Boys finally contested a Masters League cup final, after losing several semi-finals in which you played. The match against St John's Wood Tigers was delayed by the pandemic and brought Fortune it's first ever knock-out cup success. What are your abiding memories of the occasion at Rowley Lane?" "It was very wet and windy. We played really well but were losing at half-time. Robert Botkai came on – what a super sub – and scored twice. I slipped towards the end of the game but thankfully their striker missed. An amazing night, won by the underdogs!" "You are well known for your early arrival at venues – often we see, say, "Room 9" posted in the Old Boys Team WhatsApp group, for example! Is good preparation an important aspect of you playing football or are you generally an early-bird in everything you do?" "Very much so, I've always been an early bird. I always like to be prepared no matter what it is, whether I'm playing football or going out with friends or family. I hate being late for anything. My father always said to me, 'make sure you're on time, never be late, always give yourself plenty of time'." "You must have many memories of playing for the Club. Good times, bad times – good teams, not so good teams – good players, not so good players! Would you like to share some good moments with us, and, to balance it out, perhaps give your worst recollection of life at TFFC?" "Some great times – when I was voted Old Boys Player of the Year 2008/09. When we won 10-1 (v Clayhall). Best memory is when the Old Boys won the Masters Cup final in 2021. There were lots of ups and downs, as you said some good players and not so good. I always felt we were a mid-table team generally, who at times could have done better. Worst memory, was when I had just turned 40, I was dropped from the Second Team. I was informed by email so I was not impressed. Thankfully as I turned 40 I rang you up, Nigel and asked if I can play for the Old Boys. It was great timing as aged 40 I could play in those days (before the MMFL raised the minimum age). I've not looked back since!" "You have spent a long time with TFFC and we are all proud you have come this far to celebrate this incredible milestone. What does joining Peter and Jeremy as TFFC's only members of the 500 Club mean to you?" "I'm very proud of myself, that I've managed to keep going, even with injuries aside. I think they call it 'dedication' as Roy Castle used to say. It's a great honour to be in the company of Peter and Jeremy." "Also the distinction of being our longest-serving goalkeeper – we have had excellent 'keepers representing this club, people like Lenny Wyse, Paul Squires and a few others, yet none have enjoyed this level of longevity with Temple Fortune. How does that make you feel?" "I've never really thought about it until recently. I guess the fact I'm still playing at 58 for Temple Fortune is an amazing achievement. Such a well run club, we couldn't do it without you, Nigel. You've done a great job keeping this amazing club going. May it continue for many more years." "Thanks Serge, that's appreciated. Is there anything else you would like to say about this amazing occasion?" "Nothing really. It's been a real pleasure playing for such a well run club with some great players and committed managers and committee. It's always felt like a large friendly family." "Finally, Serge, you have played a big part in TFFC history thanks to your excellent commitment, enthusiasm, attitude and dedication to the cause over such a long time. In congratulating you for reaching 500 games, a huge 'thank you' from the whole Club for everything you've given TFFC over the years. You have been a fantastic ambassador for everything good about Temple Fortune FC." "Thank you Nigel, it's been amazing! Where has the time gone?!"  Above: The earliest picture of Serge in a Temple Fortune team, taken of the Second Team at Childs Hill Park during season 1997/98. Below: Serge (second left, back row) in the First Team that reached the Barry Goldstein Trophy final in season 2004/05 .  |
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| CONGRATULATIONS to Serge from all at TFFC :) | |||||||||||||
