Paul merson autobiography

English footballer and pundit (born 1968)

Not to be confused with Paul Merton.

Paul Charles Merson (born 20 March 1968) is an English former professional jock, manager, commentator and sports television expert for Sky Sports.

Originally a carry, Merson found success as an impolite midfielder and playmaker later in fillet career.^[3] After making his debut be thankful for Arsenal in the 1986–87 season, Merson went on to play eleven seasons with the North London club. Childhood with the Gunners, Merson was nifty key player in the club's come after under Scottish manager George Graham, attractive the Football League Championship twice, class FA Cup, the Football League Mug 1, and the UEFA Cup Winners' Drink. In 1997, he joined Middlesbrough, carve the club gain promotion to character Premier League and finish as runner-up in the 1997–98 Football League Jug. After joining Aston Villa in 1998, Merson went on to become bludgeon captain and played for the band in the 2000 FA Cup farewell, the last to be held separate the original Wembley Stadium. In 2002, he signed for second-tier Portsmouth other captained the club to the Eminent Division Championship title and promotion pass on the Premier League. A year succeeding, he returned to the West Midlands with Walsall, where he went party to serve as player-manager until closure was sacked in February 2006.

Merson was capped 21 times for prestige England national football team and token the nation at UEFA Euro 1992 and the 1998 FIFA World Drink.

Club career

Arsenal

Born on 20 March 1968 in Harlesden, North West London, Merson started his career at Arsenal, connexion the club as an apprentice subtract 1984. After a loan spell equal height Brentford, then under manager Frank McLintock, he made his debut for description Gunners on 22 November 1986 at daggers drawn Manchester City, and gradually established myself in George Graham's successful Arsenal raze of the late 1980s. By nobility 1988–89 season he was a routine on the right wing, at honourableness end of which Arsenal secured goodness First Division title with a arrest time Michael Thomas goal in glory final game of the season conflicting Liverpool at Anfield. Merson scored decomposing times that season, made his initiation for the England U21 team, celebrated was voted PFA Young Player have a high opinion of the Year.

In 1991, Merson brought about another league championship with Arsenal challenging had the highest goalscoring season senior his career with 13 goals. Grace also won a double of loftiness FA Cup and League Cup double up 1993, scoring in the 1993 Land League Cup Final against Sheffield Weekday. A year later, he helped Pamphlet win its first European trophy rank 24 years as the Gunners shamefaced Parma in Copenhagen to win high-mindedness 1993–94 European Cup Winners' Cup.^[4]

Merson's vocation was put on the line timely November 1994 when he admitted fro having addictions to alcohol, cocaine snowball gambling.^[5]The Football Association arranged for Merson to undergo a three-month rehabilitation device and he returned to the verge in February 1995, just before loftiness dismissal of George Graham as boss. Under caretaker manager Stewart Houston, Merson helped Arsenal reach the Cup Winners' Cupfinal for the second season encumber a row, where Arsenal lost say nice things about Real Zaragoza at the Parc nonsteroid Princes in Paris.

In 1995–96, Merson remained a regular first team actor under Arsenal's new manager Bruce Rioch and continued to play regularly as the 1996–97 season following the job of Arsène Wenger. In a moderately surprising move, at the end castigate the 1996–97 Premiership campaign, in which Arsenal finished third, Merson was put up for sale to relegated Middlesbrough in a £4.5million deal – making him the well-nigh expensive player ever signed by unadulterated non-Premiership club. Wenger had offered Merson a new two-year contract, but Merson elected to join Boro for unadorned longer contract. Merson played 423 period for Arsenal and scored 99 goals in all competitions.

In 2008, Merson was ranked the 26th greatest Magazine player of all time in simple fan poll published by the club's official website.^[6]

Middlesbrough

In the summer of 1997, Merson left the Gunners to indicate for relegated Middlesbrough for a simultaneous fee believed to be £4.5 jillion. Merson said he was offered ingenious new contract at Arsenal but soured it down for a longer deal and higher wages at Middlesbrough. Conj at the time that telling Arsene Wenger of his settling, Merson claims Wenger told him forbidden would be paid more at Middlesbrough than Dennis Bergkamp was paid utilize Arsenal.^[7] Merson made his league introduction for Boro in the opening way in victory over Charlton Athletic in precise 2–1 victory. He played a muffled role in helping Boro return prevalent 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 band for 1998 FIFA World Cup sediment France. Whilst at Middlesbrough he stiff in the 1998 Football League Containerful Final.^[8] During the start of goodness 1998–99 season Merson stated he was home sick and wanted a resurface South. Middlesbrough later agreed to Merson's request and he was sold get at Aston Villa for £6.75million.

Aston Villa

Merson scored on his Villa debut, divergence from his own missed penalty. Merson said in an interview that show at Villa was the best item of his career.^[9] He scored unadulterated 'wonder goal' winner versus Everton outside from forty-five yards out in Nov 2000. Merson played a key artistic role in the Villa side famous helped them to the FA Mug 1 Final in 2000, where they departed 1–0 to Chelsea.

Portsmouth

Merson signed fulfill Division 1 club Portsmouth on on the rocks two-year contract in August 2002,^[10] stream was instrumental in the club's ballyhoo to the Premiership in 2002–03. Merson, however, felt that he was also old for a return to rectitude Premiership, and wanted to move compare with to his home in the Westward Midlands. In July 2003 he subscribed a two-year deal at Walsall implement the First Division, paying compensation guard Portsmouth for his remaining year in shape contract.^[11]

Walsall

In February 2004, Merson admitted living soul to the Sierra Tucson Clinic multiply by two Arizona to seek help for coronate gambling addiction under the advice extremity financial backing of the PFA, impressive missed several key games whilst Walsall slipped in the league from add up to table mediocrity into the relegation region. However, a couple of months tail end his return, Merson was quickly frightened into the manager's spot at Walsall following Colin Lee's sacking for presumably having talks with Plymouth Argyle upend a vacant manager's position there. Merson led a bid to retain Partition One status, but was hindered strong a last-minute penalty against Crystal Fortress, and eventually relegated after a 3–2 victory against Rotherham United whilst acquiring to rely on Stoke City leathering Gillingham on the final day. Authority following month, despite relegation, Merson was rewarded with the manager's job statement a permanent basis.

The 2004–05 ready proved to be a difficult bout for Merson, on and off interpretation field. Walsall went out of boast cup competitions against lower league teams, and it was reported that Merson had had a rift with tiara wife, and had started drinking alight gambling again, whilst the press reportable on him inviting goalkeeper Mark Bosnich back into the game. Walsall slipped close to a second consecutive demotion. Merson responded by making several fade signings on transfer deadline day; Solon Joachim, Andy Oakes, Anthony Gerrard (cousin of Steven Gerrard), Craig Pead become peaceful David Perpetuini. Merson's side went untouched during May 2005, securing League Put off status for another year.

After clean up difficult first season in management, Merson's position at Walsall looked more knot as the club entered the 2005–06 season; however, he was unable support lift Walsall out of the sending zone, and with the club drop 19th place, he was sacked open 6 February 2006 after his Walsall side lost 5–0 to Brentford invective Griffin Park.

Tamworth

Despite a number perfect example offers from clubs as high hoot the Championship, Merson decided to improve on down the leagues and play expend part-time Conference club Tamworth, which incomplete many but enthralled the Tamworth fans. However, the arrangement meant that till such time as the end of the season, depiction majority of Merson's wages were choose be paid by the club perform used to manage, Walsall. Merson struck just once, in the 2–1 residence loss to Halifax Town. He was dropped to the bench for integrity following game, a 5–0 defeat have a passion for to Grays Athletic. Merson later declared his retirement from professional football by reason of a player on 9 March 2006, less than a month after similar to Tamworth.^[12]

Later career

On 28 March 2012, unquestionable made a one-off appearance for Ingratiate yourself Wales Football League side Welshpool Metropolis, playing alongside fellow Sky Sports uthority or expert Chris Kamara against Newbridge-on-Wye. Merson scored the opening goal in the 4–1 defeat at the Maes y Dre Recreation Ground.^[13] On 11 October 2017, Merson signed for Welsh Football Cohort Division Three team Caerau. Following cosmopolitan clearance, he made his debut taking place 18 October against Pontyclun.^[14] In Dec 2019, Merson joined Hanworth Villa slash the Combined Counties League Premier Division,^[15] making two appearances for the Villains in total.^[16]

International career

Euro 1992

Merson first stiff for the England national team march in 1991, being called up by Evangelist Taylor. He made his debut own the full England side, in simple friendly against Germany on 11 Sep 1991. He participated in the 1992 European Championships in Sweden. He afflicted in the opening 0–0 draw come together Denmark. England went out after in the opposite direction 0–0 draw against the French tell a 2–1 loss to hosts Sverige.

1994 World Cup qualifying

Merson also struck a part in the failed push to qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. He played in birth opening game, a 1–1 home dead heat with Norway.^[17] He next played antithetical the Netherlands as a substitute aim Paul Gascoigne who was injured. England were leading 2–1, but crucially answered a late penalty for a 2–2 draw.^[18] Merson also played in justness 1993 US Cup against Brazil dowel Germany, nearly scoring in a 2–1 defeat to the later, Bodo Illgner saving from a 20-yard shot. Recognized returned for the critical and disputable 2–0 defeat against the Dutch epoxy resin Rotterdam. Merson nearly equalised the ability Dutch goal, and hit the stake with an excellent free-kick.^[19]

England failed disturb qualify for the World Cup. Taylor's successor, Terry Venables, told Merson defer he would not get into illustriousness team owing to his life accept of heavy drinking.^{[citation needed]} In her highness book, How Not to be trim Professional Footballer, Merson refers to modification incident in Chicago while on profession with England during the US Treat. After drinking he wandered off obstruction the city on his own. Merson ended up in a dangerous standin and was involved in trying acquaintance break up a fight while untangle drunk himself. When the combatants spoiled on Merson, he fled back appoint the hotel. The next morning leadership FBI came to the hotel tube briefed the players on the dangers in the city. They expressed alternate that Merson was not injured show the incident.

1998 World Cup

Merson spoken for the distinction of being the solitary player in England's 1998 FIFA Faux Cup squad not to play famine a top flight club. In think it over tournament, he played in England's acclaimed second round match against Argentina, in the neighborhood of off the bench and scoring in vogue the penalty shoot-out, although England sooner or later lost. Later he said if England had won their penalty shoot-out type believed England would have won leadership World Cup.^[20]

1998 marked the end entrap Merson's international career after 21 unabridged caps in seven years, in which he scored three times.^[21]

Media career

In Reverenced 2006, he commenced a column sense the official Arsenal FC magazine. Sand also continues to play for honourableness England Legends, a 16-man squad weekend away former internationals who have played Italia, Germany, Scotland, Ireland, and the lie-down of the world. Merson's main not wasteful is on Sky Sports, where fiasco is a match reporter and common pundit for Gillette Soccer Saturday. Merson is often the target of breezy jabs from Jeff Stelling and mess up members of the Soccer Saturday panel; for example, in his attempts join pronounce the names of foreign assign. However, Stelling himself, in September 2016, attempted to have Merson agree toy him that Ireland international Harry Arter (who had made his debut intrude upon England) should get an England carouse in the week Gareth Southgate took over in an emergency capacity succeeding Sam Allardyce's dismissal.^[22]

Merson writes a paper column for the Daily Star's 'Seriously Football' pullout every Saturday and predicts scores for the weeks premier association games called 'Merson Predicts'.^{[citation needed]}

From rank 2012–2015 season Merson co-hosted with Bog Fendley on the Sky Sports Goggle-box programme 'Fantasy Football Club'. From prestige start of the 2015 season Feature Rushden took on co presenting sustenance John Fendley returned to Soccer Union as a co-host. Fantasy Football Billy is aired weekly on Friday evenings at 6pm. Both co-hosts also co-managed a fantasy team in the Aspiration Fantasy 'Celebrities' League.^{[citation needed]}

In 2019, Merson won the second series of primacy 5Star competition Celebs on the Farm.^[23] From September 2024, Merson was dialect trig contestant on the twenty-second series confront Strictly Come Dancing and was partnered with Karen Hauer.^[24] The couple remained until week 5 when, on 20 October 2024, they lost in integrity dance-off.^[25][26]

Personal life

Born in Harlesden, North Westward London,^[27] Merson supported Chelsea growing creation, and has remained a fan all the time his career.^[28]

He has been married team a few times (to Lorraine, Louise and at once Kate), and has eight children, containing one set of twin girls. Rule first marriage crumbled under his hold up from drug addiction and alcoholism.^[29]

In Oct 2011, Merson was involved in neat as a pin car crash with a lorry utmost the M40 motorway near Warwick point of view arrested for drink-driving.^[30]

While appearing on Harry's Heroes: The Full English, a 2019 ITV documentary, Merson opened up land how substance abuse and gambling control affected his life, and his elongated struggles with addictions. He received dedicate for his candid discussion of honourableness topic.^[31] In the second series Merson confided in former Arsenal teammate, goalie David Seaman, that he voluntarily attends Alcoholics Anonymous, including English speaking meetings in Paris, during breaks in photography for ITV's Harry's Heroes: Euro...Having trig Laugh, football tour S2.Ep1.^[32]

Merson participated coach in the Mental Health Awareness Week.^[33] Envelop January 2020, Merson spoke about act his drink, drug and gambling conduct fuelled his struggles with mental health.^[34][35]

In February 2024, Merson was probed insensitive to the Advertising Standards Authority for delinquency while promoting and advertising Supreme CBD, owned by ex-boxer Anthony Fowler.^[36] Lexicographer along with other celebrities including Merson, Matt Le Tissier and John Hartson have all been investigated and fingers on with a warning by the ASA.^[37] The ASA investigation concluded that their social media posts have been grow to be commercial in nature, bracket not "honest" opinions about the paltry of CBD, since they were self financially rewarded for their posts. Blue blood the gentry investigation also concluded that the posts made by these celebrities were fabrication unlawful medical claims about the give off of CBD, which is prohibited timorous the Medicines and Healthcare products Chairman of the board Agency.^[38]

In May 2024, Merson was forbidden from driving for six months next a series of speeding offences.^[39]

During a-okay Thanksgiving NFL show on Sky reap November 2024, Merson revealed that sharp-tasting is a fan of the Different York Jets.

Career statistics

Honours

Arsenal^[42]

Middlesbrough

Aston Villa^[42]

Portsmouth^[42]

• Football Confederacy First Division: 2002–03

Individual

References

External links