AFC Totton
A CANARY SWOOPED INTO THE SNOWS STADIUM just in time to beat the Southern League’s transfer deadline last Thursday, with the loan signing of 19-year-old utility man Marcel McIntosh from Norwich City.
An apprentice with Forest Green Rovers, where he worked with Jimmy Ball when The Stags’ boss was in charge of the U18s at The New Lawn, Marcel was handed his first team debut for The Green Army as a 17-year-old in an October 2021 Papa John’s Trophy tie against Brighton & Hove Albion’s U21s. Named as a midfielder in the starting XI, he went on to be awarded Man of the Match in a 2-2 draw.
He moved to Carrow Road on a free transfer in July 2022, and played in the Canaries’ U21 side that finished sixth in the 2022/23 Premier League 2 Division 2 table, of which Southampton’s B team were crowned Champions. After playing a handful of games in the first half of the season when he was still considered an U18 player, Marcel has been a regular participant in the expanded 2023/24 Premier League 2 competition since the end of January.
Marcel has played at the Snows Stadium before, while on loan with Cinderford Town in the Southern League Division One South on Saturday 15 January 2022. The Stags ran-out 4-0 winners with goals from captain for the day Ben Jefford, Jack Hoey, Jordan Ragguette and second-half substitute, Shaquille Gwengwe.
Although he prefers to play as a right-back, the 6’2” Marcel, who grew up in Walthamstow in Greater London, says he is capable of playing in any position, and he’s happy to do what is asked of him:
“I have played pretty much every position in my time, including as an emergency goalkeeper. Right-back is my favourite position and Trent Alexander-Arnold is a player that I admire, with his ability to get forward and supply good service into the box – that’s something I have tried to incorporate into my game. I’m quite quick, too, so I enjoy one-vs-ones, whether I’m attacking or defending.”
His coaches at Carrow Road advised Marcel that he should go and get himself more experience of senior level men’s football, so he told his agent about the good relationship he had with Jimmy Ball during their time together at Forest Green Rovers, and a call was made to ask the Stags boss whether he\d be interesting in bringing the teenager to the Snows Stadium.
“I got a lot out of working with Jimmy at Forest Green, so when Norwich told me to find a club to go to on loan, I knew I’d come here if they could fit me in and I’m really pleased to have made the move.”
Marcel McIntosh takes on a Walton & Hersham defender during AFC Totton's 3-0 home victory over their Promotion Play-Off rivals.
Marcel wasted no time in introducing himself to the Stags faithful, producing a Man of the Match display from right midfield and playing a massive part in creating Scott Rendell’s opener in the 3-0 home win over Walton & Hersham on Easter Monday.
“The whole team played really well, today. You could see how much everybody wanted it, against a decent football-playing side. There’s a lot of experience in this team, which is important for me as a younger player coming in, and I’ve already learned a lot in my short time here. I’m looking forward to playing more games, helping this team to get into the Play-Offs and, hopefully, earning promotion.”
AFC Totton boss Jimmy Ball commented:
“Marcel is a young boy that I brought into Forest Green when I was there. An exciting talent, who then moved on to Norwich City. I’m excited to link back up with him – he brings a lot of energy, a lot of direct running. He’s good on the ball. He’s a great size and can play in multiple positions, so he gives me lots of option. I’m looking forward to working with him again, and to him being a help for us in the run-in.”
Marcel McIntosh is sponsored by AFC Totton in the Community
By Ben Rochey-Adams
Image courtesy of Tom McKenzie
