MERSON TURNS UP THE HEAT
Merson, 31, had a successful season at Middlesbrough in 1997-`98 inspiring them to promtion to the Premiership and a Wembley Cup Final but fans are still smarting over comments he made about the club`s players and fans after his £6.75 million transfer to Villa.
The England international, who is currently in brilliant form for Villa, insists he has no fears about going back to Teesside for the first time since he left the club.
"It won`t be special going back there, not one bit," Merson said. "I`m pretty upset with the way I was treated when I left.
"I got a lot of stick from the fans and I expect more of the same. I`m not worried if they don`t understand my problems but people have short memories."
"When I joined Middlesbrough I don`t remember many other players running up the motorway to join them.
"People say Middlesbrough saved my career but I don`t really agree with that. I remember putting my World Cup hopes at risk by leaving Arsenal to drop down a division to sign for Boro.
"I helped them to get promoted and they also reached a Coca Cola Cup Final. Then they make £2 million profit on me - and I`m the villain.
"Juninho walked out on the club after they were relegated to try and save his World Cup place and he`s still a hero. That just sums it up for me."
Merson also had criticism for the Boro fans who have been calling for the head of Boro` boss Bryan Robson.
"Half the players there are only there because he is the manager. The people calling for his head have forgotten what he has done for the club - they`re a disgrace."
The Boro manager also expects a volatile atmosphere but insisted he has no axe to grind with the England international.
"He`s not going to get a good reception here, he won`t enjoy coming back," Robson said. "But we`ve got to remember what he did for us. He had a great year, then we sold a 31-year-old for £7 million. I`ve got no hard feelings."
Ciaran Baynes
