Paul Merson set for shock football comeback with Welsh fourth-tier team Caerau
Wednesday 11 October 2017 13:29, UK
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson is set to make a shock football comeback at the age of 49 for Welsh fourth-tier side Caerau.
The former England international is set to make his debut in a rearranged clash with local rivals Pontyclun on Wednesday, October 18 after being granted international clearance.
Merson, who has not played competitively since making a one-off appearance for Welshpool Town back in 2012, was convinced to come out of retirement by Caerau secretary Dai Hooper for midweek games after turning down the chance to play weekends due to his Soccer Saturday commitments.
But he had admitted he accepted the invitation without fully researching what was in store.
He told Sky Sports: "I was asked if I could play for them so I said I could if they had any midweek games, assuming they weren't any good, but now it turns out I'm playing in their derby next Wednesday. They'd better not be a good side if they're relying on me!
"I honestly thought it was the standard I play now, which is veterans football, and the only 11-a-side matches I've played this season have been charity matches, but it turns out they're a proper league side in Wales.
"There's only one position I can play now, which is the free role, but apparently the No 10 has already said: 'I'm not getting dropped for him!'."
Hooper described Merson as "a superstar and a gentleman" and, when asked about his new recruit's match fitness, told BBC radio in Wales: "He's looking okay on the box.".
Caerau are 13th in the 16-team league after one win and four defeats in 2017-18, with Pontyclun two places higher.
