By 4two
February 9 2004

Paul Merson is heading abroad to seek help for his addiction to gambling and alcohol.

The official site has today issued the following statement...

"Paul has left the country to undertake a rehabilitation Programme further to his long-standing and well-publicised addictive problems," 

"Walsall Football Club and the Professional Footballers' Association are fully supporting Paul and his family and would ask everyone to respect their privacy at this time."

Maybe this explains Merson's poor form so far this season.  Any one who has read either of his books will tell you that his "illness" has a profound effect on his game (as you would expect). 

His absence could not have come at a worse time, but at the end of the day we have to put things in to perspective. Paul Merson is an ill man. A man who needs help. All true Saddlers fans will be wishing him all the best during these troubled times.