Former England star Paul Merson announced this week that he is making a playing comeback, with Welsh fourth-tier team Caerau!
The Welsh side are awaiting international clearance for Merson to appear against Pontyclun next Wednesday and his return to playing is sure to create a huge amount of media interest. You can hear the inside story about why and how this happening from the man himself when Northampton Town Football Club stage an Evening with Paul Merson, sponsored by Olivetti, to be held at the De Vere Staverton on Wednesday November 1st at 7.30pm.
No stranger to the headlines either on or off the pitch, Merson was regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation. He made his debut for Arsenal in November 1986 and gradually established himself in George Graham's successful Gunners side of the late 1980's.
By the 1988-89 season Paul was a regular on the right wing, at the end of which Arsenal secured the First Division title. He scored ten times that season, made his debut for England U21 side, and was voted PFA Young Player of the Year. Over the next few years more winners medals were added to his collection as Arsenal bagged another league championship in 1991, both the FA Cup and League Cup in 1993 and the Cup winners' Cup in 1994 and he also made his debut for the full England side.
Paul's career was put on the line in November 1994 when he admitted to being an alcoholic and cocaine addict. The Football Association arranged for him to undergo a three month rehabilitation programme and he returned to the sport in February 1995 to resume a career that saw him play 425 times for Arsenal, scoring 99 goals.
After spells at Middlesbrough and Aston Villa, in February 2004, while player manager of Walsall, he admitted himself to the Sierra Tucson in Arizona to seek help for his gambling addiction, before returning to Walsall for another two seasons.
Since retiring from the football he has carved out a successful career in the media with Sky television as a very popular pundit on the Soccer Saturday Show and also the Fantasy Football Show.
Paul has now also become one of the most sought after speakers on the after dinner circuit. His open and honest stories about his life in and out of the game he loves, and the characters he played with and against, are both fascinating and revealing.
He lived life to the full during his football career. He had highs and lows, good times and bad times, and he speaks about it all with nothing off limits.
Hosted by comedian Aaron James, the evening will include a 3 course meal.
The dress code is smart causal, with tickets priced at £60 inc VAT with VIP packages are available upon request.
For more details and to book, please email commercial@ntfc.co.uk or call 01604 683734.