Non-League and Academy football writer

Young and talented midfielder, Mahmut Emirali, made his first appearance for FC Baresi in a pre-season friendly, after starting against step 5 opposition in Hackney Wick on Saturday afternoon in north London. A good game between FC Baresi and Hackney Wick, it would end in a 1-1 draw. After the game I did a short post-match interview with Mahmut.

Could you talk me through a bit about your background in football, prior to signing for FC Baresi this summer?

Mahmut: Last season (2025/26) I joined Newbury Forest in October, from Motormen. The gaffer from Motormen knew the gaffer from Newbury Forest, and so that was how I got the opportunity to go there. We were top of the league for a while, and we did well last season, but in the end we just missed out on the play-offs.

What, so far, has been your standout moment in football?

Mahmut: When I was younger I spent a lot of time at academy set-ups, and although I never got in, the longest time that I spent at a club, was at Tottenham Hotspur. I was with them around the 13s/14s year group, and then just before Covid, I was with Cambridge United, but that never quite happened in the end. So I’ve got experience of being on trial with academy sides.

How have you found being at FC Baresi, so far?

Mahmut: It’s a good community club and environment. Everyone’s nice to each other and welcoming, and my start here has been really good.

What were some of your thoughts on the game today, against Hackney Wick?

Mahmut: Obviously they are in a league above, so they were a tough opposition. I felt like we gave them a good game though, and although it was a good result with it finishing 1-1, I thought that it was a good start, with things still to improve on.

Finally, how would you describe yourself as a player?

Mahmut: I like to be on the ball and dictate the play. I know when to calm things down and also speed things up, but I just like to be on the ball and control the game.