By Neil Ravenscroft
May 11 2004

Although the official site hasn't yet confirmed it (as of 11.30), the Sky Sports News web site has announced Merse is the new Manager. The England international always has been one of the game's controversial figures, but he did come to Walsall in the first place partly with a view towards getting his badges and finding a coaching job. With the departure of Colin Lee, he has been thrown into the deep end, well and truely!

There has been no confirmation from the club as yet, so there is also no news as to a possible number two, something a player manager does need.

Merson's first task will be the difficult one of porducing the retained list and negotiating with those players out of contract, before trying to assemble a squad capable of bouncing straight back.

Player Profile - Paul Merson
Name: Paul Merson
Club: Walsall
Squad No: 10
DOB: 20 March 1968
Height: 6 0
Born: London
Transfer Fee: Free Transfer


Transfer history: Arsenal Brentford 22 Jan 87 On Loan
Arsenal Middlesbrough 07 Jul 97 £4,500,000
Middlesbrough Aston Villa 10 Sep 98 £6,750,000
Aston Villa Portsmouth 06 Aug 02 Free Transfer
Portsmouth Walsall 18 Jul 03 Free Transfer