Paul Merson

Paul Merson

Personal information
Full name	Paul Charles Merson[1]
Date of birth	(1968-03-20) 20 March 1968[1]
Place of birth	Harlesden, England
Height	1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)[1]
Playing position	Winger
Youth career
1982–1985	Arsenal
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1985–1997	Arsenal	327	(78)
1987	→ Brentford (loan)	6	(0)
1997–1998	Middlesbrough	48	(12)
1998–2002	Aston Villa	101	(18)
2002–2003	Portsmouth	44	(12)
2003–2006	Walsall	68	(6)
2006	Tamworth	1	(0)
2012	Whitton Athletic	3	(1)
2012	Welshpool Town	1	(1)
Total		599	(128)
National team
1988–1990	England U21	4	(0)
1991–1998	England B	4	(3)
1991–1998	England	21	(3)
Teams managed
2004–2006	Walsall
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.

Paul Charles Merson (born 20 March 1968) is a former English professional footballer and manager, turned football television pundit. As a player he played a large majority of his career as a winger.

He notably played in the Premier League for Arsenal, Middlesbrough and Aston Villa, as well as appearing in the Football League for Brentford and Portsmouth. He also played for Walsall where he spent two years as player-manager before finishing his career in Non-League football with Tamworth. He briefly came out of retirement in 2012 for Welshpool Town where he played in a one-off game. Merson earned 21 caps for England, scoring 3 times.

Club career

Arsenal

Born in Harlesden, North West London, Merson started his career at Arsenal, joining the club as an apprentice in 1984. After a loan spell at Brentford, then under manager Frank McLintock, he made his debut for the Gunners on 22 November 1986 against Manchester City, and gradually established himself in George Graham's successful Arsenal side of the late 1980s. By the 1988–89 season he was a regular on the right wing, at the end of which Arsenal secured the First Division title with a last gasp Michael Thomas goal in the final game of the season against Liverpool. Merson scored ten times that season, made his debut for the England U21 side, and was voted PFA Young Player of the Year.

With Arsenal, Merson bagged another league championship in 1991, both the FA Cup and League Cup in 1993 (scoring the equaliser in the League Cup Final v Sheffield Wednesday) and the Cup Winners' Cup in 1994. He also made his debut for the full England side, in a friendly against Germany on 11 September 1991.

Merson's career was put on the line in November 1994 when he admitted to being an alcoholic and cocaine and/or gambling addict.^[2] The Football Association arranged for Merson to undergo a three-month rehabilitation programme and he returned to the side in February 1995, just before the dismissal of George Graham as manager. Under caretaker manager Stewart Houston, Merson helped Arsenal reach the Cup Winners' Cup final for the second season in a row.

In 1995–96, Merson remained a regular first team player under Arsenal's new manager Bruce Rioch and continued to play regularly during the 1996–97 season following the appointment of Arsène Wenger. In a somewhat surprising move, at the end of the 1996–97 Premiership campaign, in which Arsenal finished third, Merson was sold to relegated Middlesbrough in a £4.5million deal – making him the most expensive player ever signed by a non-Premiership club. Arsene Wenger had offered Merson a new two-year contract, but Merson elected to join Boro for a longer contract. Merson played 423 times for Arsenal and scored 99 goals in all competitions.

Middlesbrough

In the summer of 1997, Merson left the Gunners to sign for relegated Middlesbrough for a reported fee believed to be £4.5million. Merson later said "People thought I was mad to leave Arsenal for Boro, but they were mad to think it. I joined a club that wanted me, a club going places, it wasn't for the money, I actually took a pay cut to join them, it's not everyday you have an opportunity to work with somebody like [Bryan Robson], it was a no brainer." Merson made his league debut for Boro in the opening day victory over Charlton Athletic in a 2-1 victory. He played a key role in helping Boro return to the Premier League and was nicknamed by fans as "The Magic Man". Merson's form with Boro also won him a place in England's squad for [World Cup 1998] in France. During the start of the 1998/99 season Merson stated he was home sick and wanted a return South, media coverage stated Merson had said his transfer request was down to a players drinking and gambling culture within the club. A statement later denied by Merson's agent. Middlesbrough later agreed to Merson's request and he was sold to Aston Villa for £6.75million.

Aston Villa

Merson played a key creative role in the Villa side, and helped them to the FA Cup Final in 2000, where they lost 1-0 to Chelsea.

Portsmouth

Merson signed for Division One club Portsmouth on a two-year contract,^[3] and was instrumental in the club's promotion to the Premiership in 2002–03. Merson, however, felt that he was too old for a return to the Premiership, and wanted to move closer to his home in Sutton Coldfield. Following a possible move to West Brom which was later vetoed by then Manager Gary Megson, he was eventually snapped up by Division One side Walsall in summer 2003.^[4]

Walsall

In February 2004, Merson admitted himself to the Sierra Tucson Clinic in Arizona to seek help for his gambling addiction under the advice and financial backing of the PFA, and missed several key games whilst Walsall slipped in the league from mid table mediocrity into the relegation zone. However, a couple of months after his return, Merson was quickly thrown into the manager's spot at Walsall following Colin Lee's sacking for allegedly having talks with Plymouth Argyle over a vacant manager's position there. Merson led a gallant bid to retain Division One status, but was hindered by a harsh last minute penalty against Crystal Palace, and eventually relegated after a 3–2 victory against Rotherham United whilst having to rely on Stoke City beating Gillingham F.C. on the final day. The following month, despite relegation, Merson was rewarded with the manager's job on a permanent basis.

The 2004–05 season proved to be a difficult season for Merson, on and off the field. Walsall went out of all cup competitions against lower league teams, and it was reported that Merson had had a rift with his wife, and had started drinking and gambling again, whilst the press reported on him inviting goalkeeper Mark Bosnich back into the game. Walsall slipped close to a second consecutive relegation. Merson responded by making several key signings on transfer deadline day; Julian Joachim, Andy Oakes, Anthony Gerrard (cousin of Steven Gerrard), Craig Pead and David Perpetuini. Merson's side went undefeated during May 2005, securing League One status for another year.

After a difficult first season in management, Merson's position at Walsall looked more secure as the club entered the 2005–06 season; however, he was unable to lift Walsall out of the relegation zone, and with the club in 19th place, he was sacked on 6 February 2006 after his Walsall side lost 5–0 to Brentford at Griffin Park. Despite a number of offers from clubs as high as the Championship, Merson opted to resume his playing career at part-time Conference club Tamworth, however this arrangement only lasted two games (with Merson playing only once) before he announced his retirement from professional football playing on 9 March 2006.^[5]

Tamworth

In 2006, Merson decided to drop down the leagues and play for Tamworth, which surprised many but enthralled the Tamworth fans. However, the arrangement meant that until the end of the season, the majority of Merson's wages were to be paid by the club he used to manage, Walsall. The arrangement however only lasted two games, although Merson only played once in the 2–1 home loss to Halifax Town. Merson was dropped to the bench for the following game, which was a 5–0 defeat away to Grays Athletic. Merson later announced his retirement from professional football as a player on 9 March 2006, less than a month after joining Tamworth. ^[6]

Whitton Athletic

In February 2012, Merson agreed to play for Chiswick & District Sunday League side Whitton Athletic, he played three games scoring once against Hanwell United. ^[7]

Welshpool Town

On 28 March 2012, he made a one-off appearance for Mid Wales Football League side Welshpool Town, playing alongside fellow Sky Sports pundit Chris Kamara against Newbridge-on-Wye. Merson scored the opening goal in the 4–1 defeat at the Maes y Dre Recreation Ground.^[8]

International career

Euro 1992

Merson first played for the England national team in 1991, being called up by Graham Taylor. He participated in the 1992 European Championships in Sweden. He played in the opening 0–0 draw with Denmark. England went out after another 0–0 draw against the French and a 2–1 loss to hosts Sweden.

1994 World Cup qualifying

Merson also played a part in the failed campaign to qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. He played in the opening game, a 1–1 home draw with Norway.^[9] He next played against the Netherlands as a substitute for Paul Gascoigne who was injured. England were leading 2–1, but crucially conceded a late penalty for a 2–2 draw.^[10] Merson also played in the 1993 US Cup against Brazil and Germany, nearly scoring in a 2–1 defeat to the later, Bodo Illgner saving from a 20-yard shot. He returned for the critical and controversial 2–0 defeat against the Dutch in Rotterdam. Merson nearly equalised the opening Dutch goal, and hit the post with a free-kick.^[11]

England failed to qualify for the World Cup. Taylor's successor, Terry Venables, told Merson that he would not get into the team owing to his life style of heavy drinking. In his book, How Not to be a Professional Footballer, Merson refers to an incident in Chicago while on duty with England during the US Cup. After drinking he wandered off into the city on his own. Merson ended up in a dangerous area and was involved in trying to break up a fight while very drunk himself. When the combatants turned on Merson, he fled back to the hotel. The next morning the FBI came to the hotel and briefed the players on the dangers in the city. They expressed surprise that Merson was not injured in the incident.

1998 World Cup

Merson held the distinction of being the only player in England's 1998 FIFA World Cup squad not to play for a top flight club. In that tournament, he played in England's famous second round match against Argentina, scoring in the penalty shootout, although England eventually lost.

1998 marked the end of Merson's international career after 21 full caps in seven years, in which he scored three times.

Media work

In August 2006, he also commenced a column for the official Arsenal FC magazine. He also continues to play for the England Legends, a 16-man squad of former internationals who have played Italy, Germany, Scotland, Ireland, and the rest of the world. Merson's main job is on Sky Sports, where he is a match reporter and regular pundit for Gilette Soccer Saturday. Merson is often the target of good-humoured jabs from Jeff Stelling and other members of the Soccer Saturday panel; for example, in his attempts to pronounce the names of foreign players. However, Stelling himself, in September 2016, attempted to have Merson agree with him that Ireland international Harry Arter (who had made his debut against England) should get an England call-up in the week Gareth Southgate took over in an emergency capacity following Sam Allardyce's dismissal.^[12]

Merson writes a weekly column for the Daily Star's 'Seriously Football' pullout every Saturday and predicts scores for the weeks premier league games called 'Merson Predicts'.

From the 2012–2015 season Merson co-hosted with John 'fenners' Fendley on the Sky Sports TV programme 'Fantasy Football Club'. From the start of the 2015 season Max Rushden took on co presenting after John Fendley returned to Soccer AM as a co-host. Fantasy Football Club is aired weekly on Friday evenings at 6pm. Both co-hosts also co-managed a fantasy team in the Sky Fantasy 'Celebrities' League.

Career statistics

^[13]

Club performance			League		FA Cup		League Cup		Europe[lower-alpha 1]		Other[lower-alpha 2]		Total
Season	Club	League	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
1986–87	Arsenal	First Division	7	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	-	-	7	3
1986–87	Brentford	Third Division	7	0
1987–88	Arsenal	First Division	15	5	1	0	0	0	0	0	-	-	16	5
1988–89			37	10	2	2	4	2	0	0	-	-	43	14
1989–90			29	7	2	0	2	0	0	0	1	0	34	7
1990–91			37	13	8	1	4	2	0	0	-	-	49	16
1991–92			42	12	1	0	3	1	4	0	1	0	50	13
1992–93		Premier League	33	6	8	1	9	1	0	0	-	-	50	8
1993–94			33	7	2	0	4	2	8	3	1	0	48	12
1994–95			24	4	0	0	2	1	8	2	-	-	34	7
1995–96			38	5	2	0	7	0	0	0	-	-	47	5
1996–97			32	6	3	0	3	1	2	2	-	-	40	9
1997–98	Middlesbrough	First Division	45	12
1998–99		Premier League	3	0
1998–99	Aston Villa	Premier League	26	5
1999-00			32	5
2000–01			38	6
2001–02			21	2
2002–03	Portsmouth	First Division	45	12
2003–04	Walsall	First Division	34	4
2004–05		League One	36	2
2005–06			7	0
2006–07	Tamworth	Conference National	1	0
2011–12	Whitton Athletic	Chiswick & District Sunday League	3	1
2011-12	Welshpool Town	Mid Wales Football League	1	1
Total	Arsenal Total		327	78	29	4	38	10	22	7	3	0	416	99
	Career total		624	126

Managerial statistics

As of 31 January 2015.

Team	From	To	Record
			G	W	D	L	Win %
Walsall	16 April 2004	6 February 2006	7001940000000000000♠94	7001320000000000000♠32	7001230000000000000♠23	7001390000000000000♠39	7001340400000000000♠34.04
Total			7001940000000000000♠94	7001320000000000000♠32	7001230000000000000♠23	7001390000000000000♠39	7001340400000000000♠34.04

International goals

#	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1.	25 March 1992	Strahov Stadium, Prague, Czechoslovakia	Czechoslovakia	1–1	2–2	Friendly
2.	25 March 1998	Wankdorf Stadium, Bern, Switzerland	Switzerland	1–1	1–1	Friendly
3.	18 November 1998	Wembley, London, England	Czech Republic	2–0	2–0	Friendly

Honours

Player

Arsenal

• Football League First Division (2): 1988–89, 1990–91
• FA Cup (1): 1992–93
• League Cup (1): 1992–93
• FA Community Shield (1): 1991
• UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (1): 1994

Aston Villa

• UEFA Intertoto Cup (1): 2001

Portsmouth

• Football League Division One (1): 2002–03

Individual

• PFA Young Player of the Year: 1989
• PFA Team of the Year Division One: 1997-98
• PFA Team of the Year Division One: 2002–03
• Premier League Player of the Month: February 2000

Personal life

Merson has been married twice (to Lorraine and Louise), and has six children, including one set of girl twins. His son, Sam (from his first marriage); is also a footballer and plays as a striker for St Albans City of the National League South.^[14]

His first marriage crumbled under his recovery from drug addiction and alcoholism.^[15] In October 2011, Merson was involved in a car crash with a lorry on the M40 near Warwick, UK, and arrested for drink-driving.^[16]

References

External links

• Paul Merson career statistics at Soccerbase
  
• Paul Merson management career statistics at Soccerbase
• Paul Merson at the Internet Movie Database
• Paul Merson at National-Football-Teams.com
• Profile at sporting-heroes.net

Sporting positions
Preceded by Gareth Southgate	Aston Villa F.C. captain 2001–2002	Succeeded by Steve Staunton
Preceded by Scott Hiley	Portsmouth captain 2002–2003	Succeeded by Teddy Sheringham