Paul Merson
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Paul Merson is a footballer and manager, turned football television “pundit”. As a player he played as a forward and later as a play making midfielder; in a career that lasted from 1985 to 2006. He was born in London and started his football career at Arsenal in 1984, joining the club as an apprentice. He made his 1st team debut for Arsenal on November 22 in 1986; and by the 1988-89 season was a regular on the right wing; making his debut for the England U21 side, and was voted PFA Young Player of the Year (1989).
League Winners
At Arsenal he won two Football League winners medals (1988-89, 1990-91); FA Cup (1993), League Cup (1992-93), FA Community Shield (1991) and a UEFA Cup Winners medal (1994). He went on to win UEFA Inter-toto Cup (2001) with Aston Villa; and helped Portsmouth gain promotion to the Premiership winning Football League Division One (2002–03). He also played 21 times for England including the 1998 World Cup.
Most Expensive Player
At the end of the 1996-97 Premiership campaign, Paul was sold to relegated Middlesbrough in a £5 million deal; making him the most expensive player ever signed by a non-Premiership club. Paul was a highly influential player for Middlesbrough, securing promotion success as Division One runners-up in 1997-98.
Paul Merson: Fan Favourite
In the autumn of 1998, Paul was sold to Aston Villa for £6.75 million. He quickly established himself as a fans favourite due to his creative, flamboyant brand of football. He remained at Aston Villa for nearly five years, helping them reach the 2000 FA Cup final; before he was finally given a free transfer at the end of the 2001-02 season. Paul signed for Division One club Portsmouth, and was instrumental in the club’s promotion to the Premiership in 2002-03.
Willing Walsall
Wanting to move closer to his home in Sutton Coldfield, Paul decided to leave Portsmouth; and was snapped up by Division One side Walsall in summer 2003. He was subsequently offered the manager’s spot at Walsall; leading a gallant but unsuccessful bid to retain Division One status. Eventually being relegated on the final day of the season.
Paul Merson: TV Pundit
Paul has since decided to forge a career as a media pundit, appearing frequently on Sky Sports’s Gillette Soccer Saturday. He is now extremely popular as an after dinner speaker enlightening everyone with his hilarious, sad, interesting anecdotes from a glittering roller-coaster career at the top of football. He has played with and against many of the worlds top footballers.
- 425 matches for Arsenal, scoring 99 goals
- 48 matches Middlesborough, scoring 12 goals
- 117 matches for Aston Villa, scoring 18 goals
- 45 matches for Portsmouth, scoring12 goals
- 77 matches for Walsall, scoring 6 goals
Table of Contents
Additional information
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Expertise | After Dinner Speaker, Football Speaker, Sport Pundit, Sports Speaker |
Elise Clarke – Mostrim Groundworks –
We have had so many of our guests say how amazing Paul was. He was excellent and really made the evening, I hope he enjoyed the night as much as we did.
Brian Eccleshall – The Bass Charity Vase –
Paul is a very entertaining speaker and undoubtedly a great character with some fascinating stories about his life both on and off the field. One of the best speakers we have had at our annual dinner.
Ian Quade – Haunchwood Sports & Social Club –
Paul’s friendly approach to all his guests who wanted to speak to him and obtain his autograph was tremendous. His stories about his life and the characters he played with and against were enthralling
Stuart Bonser Ashby – Ivanhoe FC –
Paul is one of the best speakers we have booked for our sporting dinners. He was a thoroughly nice guy and so friendly and accommodating to the many guests who required pictures and autographs.