Non-League and Academy football writer

Erol Hassan used to play as a centre-forward as a youngster. However, his main position these days, is at right-back. Erol recently returned to FC Baresi, making his first competitive appearance for the non-League club who are at step 6 of the non-League pyramid, as a substitute against Barkingside (Baresi won 3-1), in his second spell at the club. I remember Erol being a key player for FC Baresi during their days in the Senior Division of the Essex Alliance Football League. A player who plays the game with real heart, Erol was excellent for FC Baresi whenever I saw him play during the 2023/24 Essex Alliance Football League Senior Division title winning season.

Erol is also an important player for Essex Sunday Corinthian Football League side Yeni Bogazici, and before leaving FC Baresi before the beginning of the 2024/25 season, his last competitive game before the Barkingside game, came against Walthamstow Reserves, in the 2023/24 seasons Senior Division Cup final. During the 2024/25 season Erol played his Saturday football for Waltham Forest Borough, and then London Cheetahs, in the Herts Senior County League Premier Division. However, it’s great to see Erol return to FC Baresi during this, the 2025/26 season.

As a right-back Erol’s work rate, ability to get up and down the right-hand side of the pitch, as well as his quality and crossing ability in the final third, makes him an important player and outlet on the pitch. Erol is a fine one versus one defender also, but his excellent work ethic and very good running up and down the right-hand side of the pitch, are sides of his game which has always impressed me.