Former Arsenal and England playmaker Paul Merson is returning to Welsh League football at the age of 50.
Merson, who won two First Division titles and the FA Cup during his professional career, has agreed to make a second appearance for Caerau when they play Trefelin Boys and Girls Club on Saturday (2pm).
When Merson made his Caerau debut last season, against Pontyclun, his appearance led to a ground record attendance of more than 400 spectators – 10 times the usual attendance at the ground near Maesteg.
Dai Hooper, secretary of Welsh fourth-tier club Caerau, persuaded Merson to sign and describes him as ‘a superstar and a gentleman.”
The two men became friends after meeting at a function several years ago and Merson said: “Dai asked me to sign a long time ago and I said yes.
“I thought Caerau played in a pub league, not Division Three in the Welsh League. I felt a bit nervous before my first appearance to be honest.
“Caerau have good players, particularly Lewis (Kingdon) on the wing and they are a good team.”
Sky Sports pundit Merson attracted spectators from around South Wales for his debut and there is likely to be another big turnout for the Trefelin clash.
Caerau printed 300 match programmes for the Pontyclun fixture and they had sold out 20 minutes before kick-off with more people still queueing to go in.
When the match started, Merson patrolled a small area in the centre of midfield against Pontyclun, creating havoc at times with his flicks, sublime touch and sheer awareness.
At 49-years-old his body was not as quick or willing as it was a few years ago, but his football brain was working overtime. He organised his team-mates, directed operations and, on a few occasions, confused the opposition.
One nifty turn during the second half sent defenders in all directions – and by the time he went off after 62 minutes he had created two of Caerau’s three goals.
He was also caught offside twice as he broke away from the centre and tried to get beyond the last defender.
The home team led 3-2, Jack Page (2) and Lewis Kingdon scoring, and the pity was that the match had to be abandoned a few minutes later with lights on one side of the ground continually failing.
Merson was mobbed by spectators young and old when he walked around the pitch towards the changing rooms, posing for photographs, signing autographs and nobody was turned down.
“I feel my 49 years, but I felt good and did set up a couple of goals,” he said. “The Caerau boys are decent lads and Pontyclun are a good team as well.
“It’s a pleasure to visit Wales. The people are polite, kind and they give me a warm welcome. I will be back.”
Merson will live up to that promise this Saturday when the former Arsenal, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Middlesbrough player rejoins the Caerau team.
Weekend fixtures see us back on home territory with @PaulMerse in the squad for the game v @trefelinbcg KO is 2pm. It’s going to be another fantastic occasion for everyone with the club#footballlegend#skylegend#CFCLegend
— Caerau FC (@caeraufc) November 13, 2018
Caerau are third from bottom in Welsh League Division Three, although they have three games in hand on the two teams immediately ahead of them.
The teams on the night Merson made his Caerau debut:
Caerau FC: Matthew Rees, Nathan Watkins, Ellis Horrigan, Nathan Harris, Daniel Chapman, Dale Price, Scott South, Shawn James, Jack Page, Paul Merson, Lewis Kingdon. Subs: Ethan Edwards, Thomas Krause, Paul Evans, Geraint Dyment, Josh Rowlands.
Pontyclun FC: James Billington, Craig Williams, Tom Tweedy, Kieran Lawrence (capt), Oli James, James Gronow, Harry Flint, Joel Woodington, James Williams, Connor Berry. Subs: Chris Bullock, Aled Davies, Jarrad Hill, Mike Lazarou, Huw Jones.
Referee: Dan Barclay.