Merson set to make return in Caerau colours
FORMER Arsenal and England star Paul Merson is set to make a second Caerau appearance tomorrow against Trefelin Boys Club in Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Division Three at the Riverboat (2pm), writes Tony Poole.
Just over a year ago, a bumper crowd in excess of 600 turned up when Merson shook the football world in reappearing for the Riverboaters in a home league match with Pontyclun.
However, things didn’t end well for either Merson or Caerau, as the floodlights failed in the 63rd minute and the match had to be abandoned with the Riverboaters 3-2 up.
Merson, who celebrated his 50th birthday back in March, is free from Sky Sports duties as a Premier League commentator owing to the international break for Nations League and friendly matches.
The association with the former England attacking midfield player and the Llynfi Valley club is through Caerau secretary David Hooper.
A few years ago, Merson was guest speaker at a Bridgend & District Football League dinner – and a friendship soon blossomed with Hooper.
And the 21-times capped former England player who also figured 327 times for Arsenal proved as good as his word in appearing in Caerau colours.
The Riverboaters applied for in international clearance and Merson proved a huge hit with fans, posing for selfies, signing autographs and generally lifting spirits in the changing room.
However, it won’t only be Merson who will be a little ring rusty tomorrow, as Caerau haven’t played a league game since October 20.
The Riverboaters, who have won just twice this term and drawn one of eight matches, have dropped into the relegation zone.
In stark contrast, the third-placed Port Talbot village side have only lost once in nine outings, and are pushing for promotion. So, the scene is set tomorrow for more Merson mania to hit the Llynfi Valley.