User:Beatpoet/sandboxMinter

Melvin Benjamin Minter (born 7 March 1995) is an English professional footballer who plays for club Brentwood Town as a goalkeeper. Prior to joining English Football League club Harrogate Town in 2020, he had a six-year career as a journeyman in non-League football. He returned to non-League football to join Chesterfield in 2021.

Youth years and non-League football
After beginning his career in local youth football, Minter had spells as a scholar in the youth systems at Oxford United, Hayes & Yeading United and Brentford. After being released by Brentford in 2014, he embarked on a journeyman career in non-League football. Between 2014 and 2020, he made over 190 appearances in the Isthmian and Southern leagues for Canvey Island, North Greenford United, A.F.C. Hayes, Hendon, Hanwell Town (two spells), Farnborough, Harrow Borough, Whitehawk and Kings Langley.

Harrogate Town
On 11 September 2020, Minter entered professional football when he signed a short-term contract with League Two newcomers Harrogate Town. After featuring as an unused substitute during four of Harrogate's eight matches so far during 2020–21, Minter's contract was extended until the end of the season in mid-October. Having already dropped out of the matchday squad in late September, on 23 October 2020, Minter joined National League North club Darlington on a one-month loan, which was subsequently extended by two further months. By the time he was recalled to Harrogate Town on 28 December, Minter had made six appearances. After his return, he remained an unused substitute during 19 matches, before again falling out of the matchday squads during the final month of the season. Minter was released when his contract expired in June 2021.

Return to non-League football
On 19 August 2021, Minter signed a one-year contract with National League club Chesterfield on a free transfer. He made just two appearances during the 2021–22 season, both in the FA Cup and was an unused substitute during seven league matches. Minter was released when his contract expired and signed a one-year contract with National League South club Concord Rangers in June 2022. Following 14 appearances, he transferred to Southern League First Division Central club Harlow Town in November 2022. Following his fifth appearance, the club withdrew from the Southern League and its results were expunged. In late December 2022, Minter joined Isthmian League Premier Division club Bowers & Pitsea. Following four appearances, he dropped down a step to join North Division club Brentwood Town in January 2023. He finished the 2022–23 season with 18 appearances and was retained for 2023–24.

International career
Minter was part of the England Colleges squad which competed at the 2013 Caput Mundi tournament in Rome.

Personal life
Minter is of Ghanaian descent and is a Chelsea supporter. Prior to turning professional with Harrogate Town, he worked as a teaching assistant and made goalkeeping appearances on Soccer AM. As of October 2023, he was balancing football with "working on brand content for the likes of Adidas, Under Armour and many other household names".

Career statistics


Honours

 * Hanwell Town Supporters' Player of the Year: 2016–17
 * Harrow Borough Player of the Year: 2017–18
 * Harrow Borough Supporters' Player of the Year: 2017–18