By singingshiver
July 18 2003

Paul Merson has been unveiled as the biggest signing in Walsall Football Clubs history at a press conference today. Merson has signed a two year deal at The Bescot Stadium and as expected will be groomed as a coach with the help of Colin Lee. Highlights of what was said in the press conference:

• Paul Merson said that the reason he didn't feel up to playing in the Premiership next season is because Harry Redknapp had told him he could have no days off like he did last season. Merson did not feel he could get up at 6.30am every day and travel to Portsmouth and perform to the required standard.
• Merson said Colin Lee was one of the main reasons that he joined Walsall. He also stated how well Walsall have done in the past few years.
• Merson said that he is looking forward to playing for Walsall and the challenge ahead. He is also look forward to re-uniting with his friend Vinny Samways.
• Colin Lee has said that the deal has been going on for 3 weeks and that he first heard of Merson's availability when in Spain talking to Vinny Samways.
• Lee stated that Merson will be learning coaching and management techniques whilst at the club.
• Lee admits expectations are much higher at the club after signing Merson, Samways, Osborn, Oakes and Emblem.
• Lee said the main financial contributor to the deal was Merson and that the deal could not have happened unless Merson had agreed to what he has been offered at Walsall and Portsmouth.
• Jeff Bonser said that Merson can be just as influencial at Walsall as he was at Portsmouth
• Merson, Bonser and Lee then signed the contract live on Sky Sports News
• Lee admits that other clubs tried to hijack the deal but Merson was true to his word
• The only stumbling block on the deal was Portsmouth, and Lee's only worry that the deal would not happen was that Portsmouth and Merson would not come to an agreement on Merson's outstanding contract
• Bonser is surprised that the footballing world is shocked that Merson has joined one of the best run clubs in the country.
• Merson admits he was impressed when he played against Walsall last season and in particular the game at Fratton Park which Portsmouth won 3-2.
• Merson admits speaking to Carl Robinson about moving to Walsall and he told him a lot of good things about the club..
• Merson hasn't met the players yet, but hopes to be involved tonight against Moor Green.
• Colin Lee said that we will have to wait and see if Merson features against Hednesford Town.

We will have to wait and see when Paul Merson will make his Walsall debut. It is unlikely that he will play against Moor Green tonight, but he may be at the game to see his new team mates in action. The next game is Monday against Hednesford Town but Colin Lee may prefer Merson to train for a week before putting him into a game, so expect him to line up against Northampton Town on Saturday 26th July at Sixfields.

At last, Paul Merson is a Saddler and it has never felt better to be a Walsall fan!

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