Paul Merson...

[Trigger]

Walsall have announced midfielder Paul Merson has left the country to seek treatment for what the Saddlers have described as "addictive problems".

The 35-year-old former England star has fought battles against drink, drugs and gambling problems.

The Saddlers are now resigned to losing his services for an open-ended period.

"Paul has left the country to undertake a rehabilitation programme further to his long-standing and well-publicised addictive problems," the club said.

They added: "Walsall Football Club and the Professional Footballers' Association are fully supporting Paul and his family and would ask everyone to respect their privacy at this time."

 

[chips and gravy]

Very sad. I always enjoyed watching him play. Hope he can beat his addictions

 

[mk_bha]

shit, he wont be coming round mine for gear anymore.

 

[GUNTER]

Poor guy, his problems are very very deep-rooted. I think being booted out by Portsmouth triggered it all off again.

 

[The Famous Grouse]

he could have been really good, kinda like gazza

 

[El Presidente]

I first saw Merson play in the Guinness Soccer Six tournament at Mancehsters' G-Mex for Arsenal in about 1986, and even as a young kid he looked sensational.

It's a shame that the combination of too much money and too much spare time to kill has ruined his life to such an extent

 

[Robot Chicken]

Remember kids...just say no!

 

[JAMC]

I went to watch Walsall three months ago or so against Gillingham.
The bloke was a star! Pity the rest of the team wasn't!
You could tell he was getting a bit cheesed off.....

 

[Sorrel]

You do have to hope he takes his break in Saudi Arabia, or somewhere else equally unkeen on any of the things he's likely to be addicted to.

 

[Simster]

Poor guy, his problems are very very deep-rooted. I think being booted out by Portsmouth triggered it all off again.

You don't hear that often. Normally the slippery slope begins when you *enter* Portsmouth.

 

[Stumpy Tim]

You don't hear that often. Normally the slippery slope begins when you *enter* Portsmouth.

It probably did start then to be honest. Poor guy - he was a brilliant player in his day.

Look at that Arsenal team - Merson addicted to everything, Adams reformed alcoholic, Rocastle dead, Alan Smith a terrible commentator. Unbelievable really.

 

[Simster]

It probably did start then to be honest. Poor guy - he was a brilliant player in his day.

Look at that Arsenal team - Merson addicted to everything, Adams reformed alcoholic, Rocastle dead, Alan Smith a terrible commentator. Unbelievable really.

 

[NMH]

I'm wondering why all this sympathy for the pathetic plight of this 'poor footballer' ?

He has had a career, played in the big games, made the Engerland team a few times, scored some blinders, shagged some models (odds on), and made some serious dosh.

Ahh, poor lad, partied himself out of his brain and has to get help stopping all that wild excessiveness (violins screech in contorted mayhem, NMH gurgling with mirth and cackles of devilish glee as he lights the fires of Hades for fallen angels)

err....sorry, who were we talking about again?

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Tend to agree NMH, every time a footballer gets himself into strife, they wheel out Rent-An-Opinion Merson to give his thoughts on addiction/drinking/drugs/gambling/the new interpretation of the offside law, as if he's the only person this has ever happened to.

I feel sorry for his wife, his kids, the rest of the family, but Merson has basically pissed his very lucrative football salary up the wall time and time again. At least he can afford a recuperative stay at the Betty Ford Clinic, unlike most alcoholic wife beaters, who carry on until either they're dead or their families can't take any more.

Yes, he's been a great player, but even at Portsmouth he was having problems with gambling and drink, which is why Redknapp booted him out before they got to the Premiership.

 

[empire]

quality player,both his books are a great read aswell

 

[tedebear]

I have a little more compassion than some of you - ok so he took his money, career and fame for granted but there is obviously a problem there....and to see someone publically humiliated on tv - sobbing and crying - well then I wish him all the best - he obviously couldn't control himself - and I hope he gets the help he needs...

 

[Superseagull]

I think it is a bit a bit more obvious why Pompey kicked out Merson last year. Seemed a bit strange at the time that a club who had just been promoted to the Premier division let their best player leave on a free transfer! I hope he gets himself sorted out otherwise I think he will be in a real mess in years to come when his professional career is over and he has blown all his money. What a waste of a great talent.

 

[zefarelly]

not just Merson, but many players are taken as kids and never learn much outside football, I think the clubs should take more responsibility about the general upbringing of their players, Arsenal in the 80's, Liverpool in the 90's, Man City now, loads of other clubs are all guilty of aiding the demise of many a player

good luck Paul, he was a great player, with a big weakness.

 

[NMH]

I have a little more compassion than some of you - ok so he took his money, career and fame for granted but there is obviously a problem there....and to see someone publically humiliated on tv - sobbing and crying - well then I wish him all the best - he obviously couldn't control himself - and I hope he gets the help he needs...

Yer, but you live in a country where this applies for EVERY bloke!

Just to keep you feeling right at home; "gimme anutha stubby of piss ya silly bitch oi'm as dry as a dead dingo's donger, an gis a good polish to help us kip there's a good luv, or oi'll havta tie ya t' the roo-bars f' the night agin"