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CASUALS LEGEND PROFILE
Matt Creely
Creelo only made 21 Casuals appearances between 1998 and 2004 but the stats don't tell the full story. A huge Spurs fan (in every sense) he idolises Paul Gascoigne, and his career closely mirrors that of his hero. OK, Creelo never played in a World Cup but he was the star of his school team (overshadowing team-mate Dom Edwards) and like Gazza never quite went on to fulfill his potential. He gained a lot of weight in his late teens/early twenties due to what Graham Taylor would call "re-fuelling problems" and consequently lacked the pace and stamina to hold down a regular spot in the Casuals team.
Creelo loves the craic and has always been popular in the dressing room and two classic Bridgend moments sum him up perfectly. He once burnt the skin off his lips gargling a flaming sambuca while Rulo tried to take a photo, and the resulting swelling left him looking like he'd gone 12 rounds with Mike Tyson. His staggering 15 second fart during Phil's team talk in 1999 was hilarious. He now lives with Cassie in New Malden, just five mins from the Royal Oak with whom he set up the Casuals first ever sponsorship deal in 2002/03.
Despite numerous promises that "I'm gonna get myself fit" he still carries some excess weight. His signing for Old Wimbledonians thirds at the beginning of 2004/05 proved to be another false dawn as he only managed a handful of games before jacking it in. To this day Creelo is always on the line for the big games getting behind the boys. The stats might not suggest it but this boy is indeed a Casuals legend.
Casuals Appearances/Goals: 21 / 3
97/98 2 games - 0 goals
98/99 1 game - 0 goals
99/00 3 games - 0 goals
00/01 6 games - 2 goals
02/03 8 games - 1 goal
03/04 1 game - 0 goals
Debut: 7 March 1998 v Winchester 2nds in London Commercial League Div 4. Casuals won 10-0 with Michael Rootes scoring 6, Steve Cates 2 and one each for Phil Malcolm and Graham Bartlett. Creelo came on as a sub for Nick Markham.
Team: Ferris, Markham, N Williams, Shaikh, Phillips, Brailsford, Rootes, Welch, Cates, Malcolm, Bartlett. Subs: Richards, Creely.
Final game: 10 January 2004 v Barnslake in Teck Intermediate Cup Round 2. Casuals won 3-1 with a brace from Stu Henderson and one from Joe Maughan.
Creelo came on as a sub.
Team: Wolsey, Griffiths, Henderson, Maughan, Edwards, Cates, Skelly, Van der Laan, Holder, Hardy, Paley. Subs: Barnard, Creely.
Number of Bridgend Tours: 5 - 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001.
Preferred Position: Striker
Nickname: Creelo
Birthplace/Date of Birth: London, 13th Feb 1975
Resides: New Malden
Family: ...are ok thanks
Occupation: IT Account Manager with Northamber PLC
How did you come to join the Casuals: My good friend and confidant Michael Rootes introduced me to the club a few years back, and the Gaffer said to Rulo: "I don't like him, he is an arrogant git."
Why did you leave: Couldn't get a game, wasn't fit enough, though when I played I enjoyed every minute of it.
Who else did you introduce to the club: I brought Lofty to the club and also my old strike partner and best mate Dom Edwards. With a bit of Eric Hall "Monster Monster" dealing, I also got the Casuals their 1st sponsorship deal with the Royal Oak.
Highlight of Casuals Career: Many, just being part of the team, the banter with the lads, the nights out, the Casuals are a one off. I doubt you would find a bond that strong in any club at our level. The lads are top draw...
Lowlight of Casuals career: Not playing enough, I know I have the ability to play for the team but I didn't have the fitness, that's my biggest regret, a waste really. If I was leaner and fitter I would have played a lot more games and maybe still be part of the squad.
Most Embarrassing Moment: Getting shot by a sniper in the pouring rain at Coychurch Road, Bridgend. Roger Phillips was filming the game and I was tracking back and suddenly fell over much to everyone's amusement.
Best Casuals manager you played under: The Gaffer, he epitomizes this club with his spirit and efforts in running the side. It's not easy to do this and create an atmosphere where every new member feels welcome and becomes a part of "the Casuals community". As long as your name isn't Fletty I suppose.
Worst player you played alongside: In my time I never saw a bad player...
Funniest player: Bart used to make me Laugh, Lofty is always up for a laugh, but the player that made me laugh the most was probably Phil when he used to get wound up on the pitch... loved that.
Favourite match: Watching the lads winning the cup in 2004 beating Maori Park 4-1, great performance.
Worst match: Wouldn't say a match but when the Gaffer left the club drifted a bit.
Most memorable Casuals goal you scored: I enjoyed my goal away at Sudbury Court in 2000. Ask anyone who was there and they will tell you it was pure magic.
Funniest thing you have seen during a game: Bart being subbed, for no one.
Funniest thing you have seen on a Casuals night out: So many, any night in the HoH, always fun!! Sam at Rulo's Bday.. Phil being thrown out of the Roadhouse for encroaching the stage while the fat bloke from Bucks Fizz was singing..
Favourite Bridgend tour memory: My 25 yarder is up there but Phil and the cracker eating was absolutely hysterical, I pissed my pants watching that, he wanted to win it for the Casuals.
Are you still playing: No, only work 5-a-sides, still got the magic....
How would you like to be remembered: As a half decent player who always gave my best for the club and a good laugh, I like to think I've given the chaps some laughs.
Best thing about being a Casual: Being one of the lads, Casual life, I really miss the Saturday dressing room banter.....really miss that.
Message to the current team: No player is bigger than the club, be happy you are part of a successful side, if you're on the bench there's a reason for it, don't take it personally - better to be on the bench than not at all, and when you get your chance do the business... good luck lads.
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