Football star Paul Merson paying a visit

TOP football pundit and former England, Arsenal and Aston Villa star Paul Merson will be coming to South Derbyshire next year.

The Sky Sports News Soccer Saturday presenter will be speaking at a charity event at the Colliery Lane Lodges in Linton on March 31, 2023. Merson, 54, pictured, won the former Division 1 championship twice, the FA Cup, the Football League Cup, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup at Arsenal. He was also club captain at Aston Villa and played for the team in the 2000 FA Cup Final, the last to be held at the old Wembley Stadium. He also made 21 appearances for England, scoring three goals.

The former attacking midfielder will be talking about his life in football and punditry.

Tickets are on sale now with all money going to charity group Miles for Smiles. A small number of VIP tickets are on sale at Eventbrite. Tickets start from £27.54 with the last few VIP tickets costing £40. There will also be comedy and live music from South Derbyshire band The 444s.