Can't Cope Without Him?

By Dave
December 3 2004

"Some of the lads mentioned the fact I didn't play, but I'm 36 years old and we can't keep relying on me," Merson told the Star following the defeat to Orient in the LDV Vans trophy on Tuesday.

Merson has been speaking to the Express and Star. "There were still plenty of players out there who should have been good enough to make something happen, but no-one did it," he said.

"Too many players just sat back waiting for something to happen or for somebody else to spark things off before they started playing.

"They are all good players and sometimes they are going to have to play without me.

"I still enjoy playing, and hopefully I have earned some respect in this league that can help the team.

"If teams put one or two men on me then it frees up space for some of my other players to make make things happen, but there are enough of them who should be able to do that whether I'm playing or not."

Merson missed the game through a calf injury, but he's expected to return for the Hartlepool game on Tuesday. As we're not playing this weekend, the manager is going on the hunt for new signings.