The goalkeeper joined the Blues as an Under-13 from grassroots football after impressing on trial.

He made his Under-18s debut during the 2022/23 season and was on the men’s first team bench for an FA Cup game against Aston Villa the following year.

This season, Merrick established himself as the regular goalkeeper for our Under-21 side, and was on the bench for the first team again for the UEFA Conference League matches against Noah and Astana.

He made his England Under-20 debut in October, shortly before his 19th birthday. Merrick then spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Hampton & Richmond, playing 19 games and gaining valuable experience in the senior game. Congratulations, Max!