Paul Merson

[Virgil Caine]

I have been watching the collection of season reviews on YouTube and have marvelled on how fantastic Paul Merson was for us. Even though past his playing prime he was head and shoulders above most of the players around him and a player that was very often applauded by opposing sides supporters( eg Man City away). I find it strange that he is not as lauded as some of the other Villa legends such as Cowans, Mortimer etc, perhaps because his time with us was relatively brief.

Thanks to VillaBoy who has posted reviews as far back as 1981 they should be mandatory viewing for any Villa supporter under the age of 30. If nothing else than to prove why some of us get so fed up with what has been served up at Villa Park for the last 5 or more seasons.

There were signs at the end of last season that leads to me to have a cautious sense of optimism that those halcyon days may return.

Your favourite Paul Merson moment? Mine would be the lob from 40 yards against Everton at Goodison

[SoccerHQ]

Actually not a goal he scored (although Everton was amazing as where a few others around that time) but more that run toepoking the ball v Leeds and then heading it to Carbone just before Dubbery clattered him. Such a brilliant game.

He was actually two feet away from me in a pub watching Burnley-Spurs on one of the Sundays a few months ago. Didn't want to disturb him as he was with his kids.

[Deano's Mullet]

His pile driver that pretty much nailed on Coventry's relegation was pretty good. Also remember a brace against Watford, both stunners.

[dave.woodhall]

I have been watching the collection of season reviews on YouTube and have marvelled on how fantastic Paul Merson was for us. Even though past his playing prime he was head and shoulders above most of the players around him and a player that was very often applauded by opposing sides supporters( eg Man City away). I find it strange that he is not as lauded as some of the other Villa legends such as Cowans, Mortimer etc, perhaps because his time with us was relatively brief.

Thanks to VillaBoy who has posted reviews as far back as 1981 they should be mandatory viewing for any Villa supporter under the age of 30. If nothing else than to prove why some of us get so fed up with what has been served up at Villa Park for the last 5 or more seasons.

There were signs at the end of last season that leads to me to have a cautious sense of optimism that those halcyon days may return.

Your favourite Paul Merson moment? Mine would be the lob from 40 yards against Everton at Goodison

The reason he isn't up there with real legends is because he wasn't in their class, not anywhere near it. 

[PeterWithesShin]

Same as Dean Saunders for me, flattered to deceive, bit of a flat track bully and ultimately not worth the money. Playing in very dull Gregory sides helped as well as any bit of skill was a bonus half the time. Don't get me wrong, he had some cracking moments for us and scored some beauties, but just not enough on a regular basis for me.

[Axl Rose]

I have been watching the collection of season reviews on YouTube and have marvelled on how fantastic Paul Merson was for us. Even though past his playing prime he was head and shoulders above most of the players around him and a player that was very often applauded by opposing sides supporters( eg Man City away). I find it strange that he is not as lauded as some of the other Villa legends such as Cowans, Mortimer etc, perhaps because his time with us was relatively brief.

Thanks to VillaBoy who has posted reviews as far back as 1981 they should be mandatory viewing for any Villa supporter under the age of 30. If nothing else than to prove why some of us get so fed up with what has been served up at Villa Park for the last 5 or more seasons.

There were signs at the end of last season that leads to me to have a cautious sense of optimism that those halcyon days may return.

Your favourite Paul Merson moment? Mine would be the lob from 40 yards against Everton at Goodison

The reason he isn't up there with real legends is because he wasn't in their class, not anywhere near it. 

I think the 'not anywhere near it' comment is a little bit harsh.

I also think that maybe for supporters like me who weren't even born when we won the European Cup, etc, Merson is one of the best players we've witnessed in a Villa shirt. And therefore a little legend!

[Nelly]

I loved Merson, I wish we had him now. I think he's elevated in my opinion because he genuinely seemed to love his time at Villa - he maybe came to appreciate the club and the fans and that's a rare thing. Plus he did amazing things on the pitch!

[LTA]

Merse was brilliant for us in that not only was he a great player, but he got the club.  He understood how big it is.

A lot of people reckon he's negative about us on SKY, but I just think he has such an affection for Villa and hates seeing us struggle.

[Damo70]

His pile driver that pretty much nailed on Coventry's relegation was pretty good. Also remember a brace against Watford, both stunners.

Those are the two games I remember him best for. Watford for the goals and Coventry for his man of the match performance in turning the game around. Although the press focused on Ginola as the game changed when he came on, for me Merson was the main man that day.

[Damo70]

Merse was brilliant for us in that not only was he a great player, but he got the club.  He understood how big it is.

A lot of people reckon he's negative about us on SKY, but I just think he has such an affection for Villa and hates seeing us struggle.

He can be quite critical of both Villa and Arsenal because he clearly cares for both. Although I believe he was a Chelsea fan as a kid.

[class-of-82]

He never gave less than his all for us which for me says it all about him

[Mortimer's Bear]

The last player to get me excited every time he touched the ball, absolutely loved him.

[Meanwood Villa]

Merse was brilliant for us in that not only was he a great player, but he got the club.  He understood how big it is.

A lot of people reckon he's negative about us on SKY, but I just think he has such an affection for Villa and hates seeing us struggle.

He can be quite critical of both Villa and Arsenal because he clearly cares for both. Although I believe he was a Chelsea fan as a kid.

He was in a box in the Witton Lane during the 5-1 Small Heath demolition and certainly seemed to be enjoying it.

[tomd2103]

Same as Dean Saunders for me, flattered to deceive, bit of a flat track bully and ultimately not worth the money. Playing in very dull Gregory sides helped as well as any bit of skill was a bonus half the time. Don't get me wrong, he had some cracking moments for us and scored some beauties, but just not enough on a regular basis for me.

Dean Saunders "not worth the money"?  Very harsh statement.