Our Terrace laureate David Bryant recently caught up with our centre forward MARCEL BARRINGTON to ask him a few questions.
Marcel joined the Tanners in March 2026 and played a prominent part in the run in helping the Tanners secure the Isthmian South Central title. Marcel had most recently been at Cray Valley PM where his goals helped fire them to promotion in 2024. At the start of his career Marcel was a youth player with Stoke City and Leicester City. He also played for Walton Casuals, Herne Bay, Tooting & Mitcham United, Margate, Hendon, Braintree Town, Hampton & Richmond Borough, Concord Rangers, Dartford and Welling United.
When you aren’t out on the pitch laying waste to the opposition, what do you do for a job?
I work in a primary school where I teach a class of eight children with high SEN and SEMH needs. It can be challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding!”
Heaven forbid you weren’t playing for the Tanners on a Saturday afternoon, how would you be spending that free time?
I’d be at home with my daughter and the rest of my family doing fun things. I work Monday to Friday, and being out all of Saturday means any time I get to spend with them is really important.
What would be your soundtrack?
It varies depending on how I’m feeling – probably something up-tempo? On the way to football, I tend to listen to motivational speech to help me get in the zone.
Who are your heroes (one football related, one from another sphere)?
My football hero is Thierry Henry. I admire the things he achieved in his career, and that he’s kept that going with the media work he does now. He’s very focused, very driven – he had a goal and always pursued it. Such self-belief…
Away from football, it’s my mum. She’s always played sports – she still plays netball, and she inspires me.
Highlight of your Tanners career to date?
Obviously winning promotion! I’d had a difficult season with my previous club – I felt I needed a change and to enjoy my football again. I’ve got so much appreciation for the boys and the gaffer for welcoming me in, and it was great to win silverware.
Obviously, as a Tanner, your footballing talent is a given, but away from the pitch, do you have any other special talents?
I’ll play any sport I can, but tennis might be one of my favourites. I don’t play to the same level as I do football, it’s more of a hobby. I like cooking too – I don’t have a signature dish, but my brother says I’m pretty good, so I’ll take that!
Is there a motto by which you live your life?
Not so much a motto, no – I just think you have to keep trying. There’s always going to be another opportunity.
Have you ever had a paranormal experience?
(Laughs) No! Not sure if that’s a good or bad thing, but I’ve never had one.
Have you ever had a Tanners Burger from the tea bar? It’s a seven-quid monolith with sausage, bacon, cheese and onions. If yes, what was it like? If no, what is your treat food of choice?
No, I’ve not had one of those yet – I’ve been trying to steer clear of burgers in pre-season, but later in the season I might get my hands on one! A treat? Pizza, but I guess we’re lucky enough to have that after each game…!
Originally published in our Match Day Programme, Head Lines
