Merson deal : The Simple Version


By 4two
July 9 2003

We put the Merson deal in to perspective, as it stands at 16:30 on July the 9th. This thing is getting complicated.....so we have pulled everything together.

New Page 1

The Express and Star have revealed that Paul Merson has spoken to the Saddlers.

What Merson has said.....

  • Merson HAS spoken to Walsall.
  • Walsall are short of money, which is a problem.
  • Walsall are the only club he has spoken with.
  • Merson has called travelling from Brum to Pompey  a "Drag".
  • He took a pay cut to join Pompey - Now Pompey are signing big name players on big money.
  • He has been told Pompey can not afford to offer him a new deal.
  • The player is clearly unhappy.

Mersons agent has said

  • "Paul Merson has a contract at Portsmouth Football Club for one more year. He is club captain and very happy there. As things stand at the moment he'll be playing for Portsmouth next season."

Where does Redknapp stand....

  • He will not stand in Mersons way.
  • However, he does want to keep him.

So what now?

  • Mersons contract with Pompey has to be settled. Either they pay it up, the Saddlers pay it up, could Merson pay it up?
  • There is a suggestion that Pompey pay a portion of his wages (which still free's up space on the wage bill).
  • Merson is clearly unhappy about the situation on the south coast.
  • It seems the ball is firmly in Pompey's court.

See the full comments from Merson, in todays Express and Star.