MERSON RETIRES - Aston Villa, Arsenal, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth ...

Tamworth FC

Sky Sports News are reporting that former England international Paul Merson has decided to hang up his boots, only two weeks after joining Nationwide Conference side Tamworth. Merson turned down playing contracts from Brighton and Brentford after his Walsall sacking in favour of joining the struggling non-league side.

Tamworth lost 5-0 away at Grays on Saturday, a game that Merson was a unused substitute for. He was making his comeback from injury but has decided the time is right to quit the game.

The 'Magic Man' is still adored by the fans of his former clubs Arsenal, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Portsmouth.

Never to grace another clubs shirt

Despite heading the League One assist table last season he failed to reproduce any serious run of form, mainly because of his lack of fitness.

During the week of his sacking from Walsall Merson was interviewed by Sky Sports and he said instead of getting himself fit he thought it would be better to concentrate on getting other members of his squad fit!! - He admitted if he got himself into shape he might have still been in a job!!

Paul made 696 starts during his illustrious career and 76 appearances coming off the bench (including in 31 international caps). He scored a total of 153 goals.
He won 2 league championships, the FA Cup, League Cup, European Cup Winners Cup, he played in a World cup. His last professional appearance - Tamworth 1 Halifax 2!!

He will make one last appearance for Tamworth - a testimonial for Tamworth keeper Scot Bevan on May 21st.