Paul Merson’s much-anticipated Caerau debut abandoned after floodlight failure
Paul Merson’s return to football came to an early end yesterday after the game between Caerau and Pontyclun was abandoned due to floodlight failure.
The 49 year-old agreed to join the club after becoming close friends with the Caerau FC secertary Dai Hooper and made some impressive touches, being watched by a bumper crowd of 400 at the Caerau Athletic Ground.
Merson who was off the pitch at the time after making a 65-minute cameo was on the winning side as the home side with the former England international in their ranks, lead 3-2.
Speaking to WalesOnline, the club official David Hooper who brought the man to the club has said that some clubs have contacted them to move fixtures to midweek, to allow Merson to feature more.
“It’s helped to put Caerau on the map really because we’ve got big things planned for the club. Obviously with his high profile it’ll help us get more publicity for the future.
Before signing for the fourth-tier Welsh club, Merson admitted that he thought Caerau were a Saturday pub team when speaking to fellow Soccer Saturday star Jeff Stelling.
👀 Paul Merson is set to make his debut this evening for Welsh side Caerau FC.
😂 Yes, really! pic.twitter.com/gdoNqx2hpw
— Sky Bet (@SkyBet) October 18, 2017
Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson committed his desire to the club, as he mixes his television commitments to his playing commitments.
“It’s not a one off, I said I’d sign. I said I’d play midweek, I love playing and if I can keep on playing, I’ll play.”
The abandonment keeps Caerau 12th in the Welsh Football League Division Three. They welcome Bridgend Street to the Caerau Athletic Ground next Saturday, without being able to call on the services of the former Arsenal star.
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
