Paul Merson, one of the celebrity contestants in this year's BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing(Image: PA)

BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Paul Merson sacked from 'dream' job in previous career

The ex-footballer was getting his hair cut at Toni & Guy when he got the phone call

by · PlymouthLive

Ex-footballer turned Strictly Come Dancing star Paul Merson made his name winning trophies with Arsenal and starring for England in the 1990s - but his ill-fated career as a manager proved less successful. Merson made more than 400 appearances for the Gunners and played 21 times for his country - but high-profile battles with alcohol, cocaine and gambling addictions saw his career spiral.

After stints with Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Portsmouth, Merson found himself at second-tier Walsall for the 2003/04 season. And after missing a chunk of the season while checked into rehab in America he explained how a chain of events triggered by the form of title-bound Division Two outfit Plymouth Argyle ended up thrusting him into his "dream" job as a football manager.

Writing in a 2011 autobiography, Merson detailed the strange twist of fate that saw him take the reins at Walsall in March 2004.

He had been brought to the Midlands club by Colin Lee, a lifelong Argyle fan who used to stand on the terraces of Home Park's Barn Park End to cheer on the Greens as a child. And when high-flying Argyle lost manager Paul Sturrock to Premier League Southampton, Devon -born Lee apparently became tempted by the possibility of a move to the soon-to-be-promoted Pilgrims.

Lee was interviewed for the vacant manager's job and - although he was pipped to the post by Bobby Williamson - when word of his interest got back to Walsall owner Jeff Bonser he was furious.

Merson said he was summoned to the chairman's office to be told: "I've just sacked Colin. He was talking to Plymouth. His heart wasn't in it."

Merson was signed for Walsall as a player by then-manager Colin Lee, right, who was axed for trying to get the manager's job at his beloved Plymouth Argyle(Image: Birmingham Post and Mail)

Writing in one of his books, titled 'How Not to be a Professional Footballer', he continued: "[I asked him] 'what are you going to do?' He looked at me from across his desk [and said] 'I'm going to put you in charge.'

"I couldn't believe it. 'But Mr Chairman, I can't even look after myself, let alone a Championship football team'. He didn't care. Whether I liked it or not I was the new Walsall gaffer."

Merson found management tough and was unable to keep the struggling Walsall side in Division One. After being relegated on the final day of the season they narrowly escaped a second consecutive drop through the leagues the following year.

They started the 2005/06 season poorly and fed-up fans unfurled a 'Merson Out' banner during their side's 5-0 loss to Brentford in February. Merson claimed in his autobiography that he tried to resign following the thrashing at Griffin Park but was talked out of it by the chairman, only to then be fired a few days later amid threats of "a riot" by disgruntled fans

"On Monday after training we sat down as promised and talked through some potential signings," he wrote in his book. "Then I went to get my hair cut in Toni & Guy, because a mate of mine worked there. As he was snipping away, my phone rang. It was Walsall's chief exec."

Paul Merson hasn't managed a club since his time at Walsall(Image: Sunday Mercury)

Merson says he was called in for a "serious" meeting and told he should resign.

"I wasn't having it," he wrote. "I told him there was no way I was jacking it in now. 'If you want to get rid, you'll have to sack me.'

"Roy shrugged his shoulders. 'All right then, you're sacked'. I was gutted. Any dreams I had of carving out a career for myself in management were over.

"It was a bit harsh, but I could hardly argue. Football management is a results business, and Walsall's results had been bloody awful."

Following his exit from management Merson turned his hand to broadcasting and has had a successful on-screen career as a Sky Sports pundit. He has also appeared on reality shows including Harry's Heroes and Celebs on the Farm.

Now he is starring alongside the likes of Nick Knowles, Shayne Ward and Tom Dean as one of the celebrities taking part in the 20th season of BBC hit Strictly Come Dancing. He has been paired with Karen Hauer for the 2024 series of the show.

Paul Merson and Karen Hauer who have been paired for Strictly Come Dancing(Image: Ray Burmiston/BBC/PA Wire)

The 54-year-old also campaigns for gambling industry reforms after losing an estimated £7 million over three decades.

He said recently: "Joining Strictly is a whole new ball game for me. But I’m going to tackle this challenge head on. I’m ready to swap the pitch for the ballroom floor, so here’s hoping my two left feet can learn some moves and you never know, maybe I’ll be taking home the Glitterball Trophy.

"It hasn’t really sunk in yet because I try not to worry about things beyond my control. People ask if I’ll be nervous, but I won’t know until it happens. I prefer to take life one step at a time."

Click here to join our Plymouth Argyle breaking news and top stories WhatsApp group and we'll send you exclusive transfer updates, plus news and views from our experts on your favourite football club. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.