Paul Merson has confirmed: “I’ll make my Caerau FC debut tonight.”
The former England and Arsenal playmaker has committed to making his Welsh Football League debut at the Caerau Athletic Ground in Maesteg on Wednesday (October 18, 7.30pm).
“Paul is in regular contact with us and he’s looking forward to playing for us,” said club secretary Dai Hooper. “We’d love to welcome a big attendance to Caerau.”
Merson, who will celebrate his 50th birthday next March, looks certain to start for Caerau in their Third Division match against Pontyclun.
Caerau FC were formed more than 100 years ago and have been playing Welsh League football since 2011 after being promoted from South Wales Amateur League football.
Mason, a pundit on Sky television, has been registered to play for Caerau this season and has kept fit by playing in charity matches.
His international clearance has been granted and Hooper says: “Paul is a great lad, a superstar and a gentleman, and he’s joined Caerau as a player and an ambassador.”
Caerau won 4-2 at Aberbargoed club Neuadd Wen in their last fixture and climbed one place to 12th in the Third Division.
If Merson can inspire a home victory for Caerau they could climb to seventh.
He is ready to make his debut in the fourth tier of Welsh football when Pontyclun visit, signing for the club after getting to know Hooper at a function several years ago.
“I texted him about the rearranged fixture against Pontyclun and he came back quickly to confirm he could make it,” said Hooper.
“We are hoping Paul makes a number of appearances for us.”
Merson scored during an appearance for Mid Wales club Welshpool Town in 2012, six years after ending his playing career.
Merson played for Arsenal, Middlesbrough and Aston Villa, while he earned 21 England caps.
It’s 11 years since Merson retired from professional football, but he still plays on a reasonably regular basis. He is ready and willing to turn out for Caerau in Maesteg next Wednesday.
The stadium is at Humphries Terrace, Maesteg CF34 0SG and all spectators are welcome.