My Battle With Addictions - Footballer Paul Merson Tells His Story.

Anything Goes with James English Ep/231
My Battle With Addictions - Footballer Paul Merson Tells His Story.
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'Filaments' by Scott Buckley is under a Creative Commons license Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)
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[@Mike-1000]

I'm not a gambling addict but personally I find the amount of gambling enticing adverts during sports events are unbelievable.

[@andyhornhornhorn]

You feel as though you can't watch a game without putting a bet on. They should ban gambling advertisements.

[@Mike-1000]

@@andyhornhornhorn Yeah, everyone happy and laughing whilst they are betting. I'm not sure about a ban but certainly the volume needs looking at for sure.

[@mrkipling2201]

@@Mike-1000 absolutely. They all look happy and like they’re having a laugh. Maybe it’s fun for some people but I think it’s the wrong image to give out about gambling.

[@beddybedford2757]

I wonder if you can bet on these very rare heart incidents 🤔🤔be good odds

[@G.E.MTFC_]

Why not ban good adverts then ? People are getting fat and over eating to. Would be never ending

[@LeeGunner]

I bloody love Merse. What a player he was. Could listen to him all day 👊🏻❤️

[@davidguardado4739]

Lee im a Sub mate... those were the days hey mate Merse was one of my first ever heros 💪

[@davidguardado4739]

He scored in my first game we beat Millwall 2-0 and Merson scored! I was hooked at age 7 I got to stand in the North Bank before it was made all seater , feels like a lifetime ago. I remember the Noise and chants it was rocking , the day we left Highbury I cried .I knew Arsenal had sold out .

[@ptiger7177]

Brilliant James. He's a top man 👌🙌

[@Jk-ns8mx]

We bloody love you Lee!! Best gooner you tube channel on the circuit!! Geeeeezzz!!!

[@simonwoolley6758]

Absolute legend dealing with a terrible illness A friend of mine was on the brink of pro football but tested positive for drugs and was in the papers Paul Merson got his number and took the time to give him a call and give him some very much welcomed and needed advice Top man

[@rugbyvideo4531]

I am amazed as Paul said no clubs have asked him to give a talk, his life experiences are invaluable. He has an ease of expression that people will listen to, great fella

[@user-vv1vu2ls1t]

It's the way he speaks, it's like he really thinks about what he wants to say Love listening to you PAUL

[@robbarnett524]

"If you can drink normally, then drink normally". This resonates with me. When I start I dont stop. Closing in on a year dry now. Great podcast 👍

[@Jac-Jay]

Well done Rob, onwards and upwards🙏

[@robbarnett524]

@@Jac-Jay thanks mate 👍

[@joshsheridan2589]

Good job mate. Worst illness ever

[@robbarnett524]

@@joshsheridan2589 absolutely

[@VR46314]

Congratulations mate

[@robbie2474]

Absolute legend..... Had his struggles but owns it... Fair play to him... Keep it up Merse

[@fitzroy7054]

As a gambling addict myself fighting the addiction this was helpful listening Thank you

[@headtopturner9047]

Hope you manage to get better with it even if it has to be slow … every day can be better , it’s just somehow rationalising the thought processes .. you’ve got this

[@lukeyoneshot6040]

Hang in there brother you got this down man do not give up your a fucking fighter use all your strength and power to let it go 🙏🙌

[@fitzroy7054]

@@headtopturner9047 Thanks 🙏

[@fitzroy7054]

@@lukeyoneshot6040 Thanks 🙏

[@fitzroy7054]

@Ross Hardy Thanks Brother 🙏keep strong

[@johnnicholas978]

The honesty of this guy is prodigal.. human nature at its best...

[@twiggyeison]

Great humble attitude, he's not blaming everyone one else, accepting his mistakes and trying to do better.

[@rabmcnair4488]

Love seeing people who manage to come out the other end. Well done Merson, you are much stronger than you give yourself credit for.

[@ER-gw2xz]

I’ve had the pleasure of being in Paul’s company. He’s a great bloke. We all have our issues, he’s man enough to talk about his.

[@danofficial117]

💯 we’ve all done stuff n all have our demons

[@michaelcolquhoun766]

Ii

[@michaelcolquhoun766]

Injjnj

[@michaelcolquhoun766]

Jj

[@michaelcolquhoun766]

@@danofficial117 n

[@Bulldog55]

Absolutely love Paul Merson talking football . His analysis on players /matches is insightful and honest . He was terrific on sky on a Saturday for years and made an afternoon a perfect watch for millions . He might have got a lot wrong in his personal life but he got a hell of a lot right. I used to love listening to Ray Wilkins too so interesting to hear that was Pauls hero growing up . Both class acts . This interview will help millions of others suffering with addiction . Good luck in your personal battles you have everyone’s respect. 👍🏻

[@thescottishbawbag]

I've searched for that happy middle ground..still can't find it..realised, getting to fuck, living simple and getting out my comfort zone is my only recovery, a Strong , supportive missus helps ten-fold. Finding someone who accepts the demons you carry moves life forwards.

[@jordantaylor439]

I'm not a problem gambler, but because of Paul's documentary I've decided to boycott all of the gambling sites. Not for fear of being addicted, but because I won't give another penny to the people who pray on addicts in the way they do. You're both doing great work

[@a-mh2811]

i'm with you

[@watchinboats]

Yes brother good on you.. what a bunch of vultures they are

[@sjb7956]

I am a problem gambler who asked for help and thankfully today I haven’t bet in 4 years. I was spending in excess of 1500 a month when I only earned around that. The blame lies with me but I must say that around 9 months off a bet I received an email from Sky Bet reminding me of a specific occasion I had bet this amount and had won this amount and that I could rejoin with the aid of a free bet. I take accountability for me but a found that dreadful that a company could prey on someone like that. I went from staking 96000 in a year (although I had won at points) to staking nothing. They know that you are a problem gambler and the fact they were trying to entice me back in was immoral in my eyes. I was in a place fortunately where I found it laughable it was that bad. But nonetheless - they cross a line with that stuff. Great listen that podcast 👍

[@garysmith2845]

As a compulsive gambler myself, this is a refreshing watch to know it’s not just me that feels like that

[@JamesEnglish]

❤️

[@ER-gw2xz]

Stay strong mate. Help is out there.

[@tobycarter6470]

Wonderful interview from James and Paul. I'm an addict who just about scrapes through in life after dropping out of various meetings that I did two years ago. These podcasts help me stop going to the limit of oblivion and to live and fight another day. Nice one James 👍❤

[@JoshYeadon]

Definitely the best interview I've ever seen/watched. One of the most honest too, leaves no stone unturned. Amazing man, glad he's better and on the mend. Deserves to be happy. ☑️🙌

[@glengooner74]

The Magic Man , Spent my youth watching merse play standing on the terraces on the north bank , What a player , Genius , Love ya Merse

[@J03333E]

Merse you are a legend nothing but respect for how respectful and truthful you are. Inspiring man

[@anthonyeverett5375]

He’s still the magic man to me. I used to stand in the junior gunners, besotted by the things he could do with a ball. The original number 10. Well done son.

[@Grazza-vs5ur]

Snap !!

[@MrBoothyboy1988]

This podcast has to be one of the most inspiring and touching ones I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching

[@tw9341]

Fair play to Merse for the interview and telling his story. We may sometimes mock him for his football opinions but takes a strong man to admit his demons. Two & a half years sober myself, and yes boozing led to other stuff

[@efclukey9574]

One of the best podcasts I’ve ever listed to respect to you Paul and thank you mate and take care of yourself and reach out if you need anything

[@conorsmith8551]

Merse, I love you mate. His honesty and openess to discuss his personal struggles I'm certain is saving lives

[@garydavy6792]

What a true legend paul is I’m a Liverpool fan but I’ve always liked Paul loads of respect for him fantastic interview

[@sloopycat1954]

Thankyou Paul, Thankyou James for sharing to help so many poor individuals, me included, so selfless.

[@Reppy48]

Paul Merson is a legend. great footballer, Great person. altogether Top man.

[@D1Snr]

I was never an Arsenal fan, but I was born in 1982 and always remember watching an Arsenal match on ITV in 1990 and seeing Paul Merson. He was the first player I ever identified to my dad as being a good player. I was like "Dad, look at him, he's a good player". I've never forgot it.

[@garyhackett8475]

Love this.....genuine guy. More power to him. From an Irish Spurs fan.

[@nickdavis487]

I’ve been a Chelsea fan since 1973 my 1st game at 11 and I have seen some wonderful football and footballers over the many years of following my blues,But I have to say/Paul Merson was one of the best English players ever, he was called the Magic Man for that reason,he was magic, god bless you Merse n b lucky!!!

[@jonwilson1765]

I love listening to Paul and I have so much respect for anybody that can beat addictions. Great show 👍

[@nofluffhypnosis]

Been waiting for this one too. Mersons a legend

[@jonathangault6465]

Always loved GREAT FOOTBALLERS...And This man is one of the GREATEST

[@conor85882]

I love Paul Merson. The player, the pundit and the fella

[@NH-bz9jv]

Another absolutely superb interview. As a lifelong Chelsea supporter I spent many seasons praying that Merse would sign for us. Absolutely sublime footballer. Keep going Merse🙏🏻

[@dv4092]

absolute legend, always loved merse at villa, i'm going through the exact same thing as he was now, amazing to hear someone like him has gone through it aswell

[@Maxdave13]

I'm only half way through this interview and my heart is hurting for you, what a man, please stay strong brother

[@malterwitty5433]

Great podcast. Paul’s so honest, I wish him well, thanks James. Have a great festive season, and all the best for 2022.

[@paulthurman5517]

He is so honest which is amazing. Top man. Great interview James.

[@Liam-us3cq]

Looking forward to this one! Merson is a class act 👍

[@karlsnowden9777]

Top interview, great story from a fantastic footballer and great guy which proves being rich and famous does not buy happiness. Family will always bring happiness I have had addictions and overcome them with a great wife and family and thanks to Paul and James fur telling this story which is inspirational and will hopefully help others who are struggling. Good luck for the future Paul.

[@kevbrown841]

Another brilliant podcast james Mers very honest knows the struggles he’s had and brave enough to talk about it will help so many people who watch this 👊

[@JackManEveryday]

Paul was my first favourite player, I was 5 or 6 year old and my dad had got me a season ticket. He absolutely tore what's now the championship to pieces for Boro, best player in the league by a million miles. My first ever pair of boots were red cos that's what he wore, people don't realise cos of his problems and cos he has a daft laugh on TV how much of an unbelievable player he was.

[@graham2733]

Only just got round to watching you with Paul Merson.What a worth the wait was,he’s incredibly down to earth,honest,left nothing to hide.He’s actually a success story for him to come out the other side from the hell that he was in.Brutally honest is the best way that people can be with themselves.What a player he was,I’m 55 so remember him very well indeed.

[@Matt_Gaughran]

I’m not into my football, but I’ve got addiction issues and I really think this bloke is a genuine nice guy. Really positive vibes. Truly love all these podcasts they are so helpful. You seem a very good man james! 👍🏻❤️

[@kevindoughty3907]

Excellent interview James, Paul was a hero of mine when he was at Villa.. I bet him and Paul McGrath had some benders.. glad he's on the mend and never held anything back on the interview. I've been sober for 16yrs so know exactly what you've both been through.. All the best to the pair of you.. 👊👍

[@JamesEnglish]

Well done Kev keep going

[@Aaron-zr8tu]

Well done Mate 👍 16 years sober is Amazing 🤝

[@kevindoughty3907]

@@JamesEnglish Cheers James.. Keep the interviews coming bro... 💪👊

[@kevindoughty3907]

@@Aaron-zr8tu Cheers Aaron.. it's not been easy at times, lost my only brother 2 years ago to suicide, then my Mum last year, so I stared the devil in the eye and told him to fuck off because if I touch 1 can I know I'll be back on the streets in London again.. I served my Country and suffer illnesses because of it, but now I've got my meds sorted through trial and error there's no way I'm going back there.. I've come to far and achieved to much to throw it all away again.. 😉👍

[@Aaron-zr8tu]

@@kevindoughty3907 struggled with addiction all my life mate , like Paul said One day at a time ,I never used to get that saying (I would think wtf u on about ) but I live exactly like that now today I'm not going to use , sorry about your family but we as addicts can use loss as an excuse to hit the fuck it button but you never Kevin your Mum and brother would be proud of you take care mate stay strong and safe

[@summan41man]

Thank you for this interview, I was hanging on every word. I've always liked Merson, he's a good guy, genuinely humble. Gambling is horrible, I know too well. It seems to attract and encourage our introverted self, it thrives on our isolation, where we are at our most vulnerable. God bless you both.

[@mark7c]

I'm the same age as Merse and my addiction ran pretty much parallel with him. reading Tony Adams book Addicted had a big affect on me and I stopped Drinking aged 38 but while I was in the rehab I said nothing about the drugs or gambling. I didn't drink again until I was 48 but aged 40 started taking gear (smack) I used to gamble to try and win money to get gear but never came out on top. Like Merse I wasn't into casino gambling, it was horses, dogs, and got into betting on cricket in a big way, I remember sitting in a cafe watching 2 flies trying to get out, there was a window open at the top with a small gap, I sat with 3 mates putting money on which fly would get out first, sitting there for over an hour watching the flies. I've beaten drink ,coke pretty much every substance I've ever used but I cant beat smack and I cant beat gambling. Now having accepted that I've given up giving up I have a certain amount of peace with that. In a perfect world id be clean but I'm not so applaud anyone who has beaten living in the madness. It was a good listen James and you Paul...Just to finish I went to watch Pompey when Merse was there, it was the only time I watched him live but what a player you were!! .

[@riboid]

You sound right fun.

[@sevans606]

Were you a professional footballer?

[@Abeeforth]

Magic Man, Merson. Loved him coming to The Boro, even if it was just about the money. Unbelievable player. Big respect to him for talking about his struggles. Wish him well for the future.

[@djobscene4239]

Probably the most open interview I’ve ever seen, so gut wrenching to hear what others do when in addiction. I am currently talking to people about mine and this interview resonates big time at points…

[@zxr-cade2026]

One the best players of all time His story is very powerful and touching and I feel like he's done such a great job in trying to stay away from gambling I'm glad you got the magic man on the podcast James very good choice

[@bellis7085]

This is for me,the best one so far,so relatable,from both of you,thanks for this,much needed and good timing guys!

[@Arsenallozz]

Love this james. I’m Arsenal through and through and we love Merson. Love hearing his story as sad as it is love hearing about him

[@nialld1766]

I’m Spurs through and through but Merse was a brilliant footballer, and much respect for how he deals with his difficult situation. Wish him continued good health

[@Jk-ns8mx]

James you have done it again fella - absolute top draw interview. I’ve been a gooner for 43 yrs and Merse has to be in top 10 players I’ve ever seen down the Arsenal - this guy was magical and gave so much joy to me and my pals week in week out. Keep strong Merse your loved so much and deserve to be happy and healthy. Keep well gents! N5🙏x

[@paulhamilton5469]

My name is Paul and I gambling addict but I want to speak to Paul merson cause I was and I am the same and this podcast hit me where its truth

[@dermotcoyle3483]

1:13:16

[@sandradebernardi4641]

As always, another excellent interview James. I love how you always seem able to build your Guests up no matter how bad they feel, you can see a wee ' Glimmer of hope' in their faces when talking to you. I love listening to your Podcasts and seeing the progress you are making in your own life! Good for you James xx

[@bevphillips56]

Really enjoyed this interview, so interesting, loved every second of it. Wishing you the very best Paul x

[@Ashley-oe2is]

You got this Merse lad, all the attention your brining to this horrible disease is immense too. Top lad for giving him the platform James, definitely a mutually beneficial arrangement this one. Two top REAL blokes.

[@Thanks_for_posting.]

Great signing James thanks for telling your story Paul

[@williamsheehan6112]

What a footballer what a man what a pundit! Love Paul LEGEND

[@leemarsh2671]

Great interview, love merson, got a lot of admiration for the bloke, as men we don't like talking about all our problems, glad he has battled through everything,

[@kieransimpson4965]

So much of what merson says rings true. Very authentic character

[@gavrfc09]

This is a great guest to have james. Some cracking stories coming up for sure 👍🏻

[@snipedotgenius]

growing up watching him Ian Wright and my cousin Kevin play for arsenal my ultimate hero’s .. Paul’s story has made me cry several times life is tough ..

[@mrkipling2201]

Don’t matter how much you are earning or how great your career is, mental health doesn’t care about any of that. He was a great player, one I loved watching even though I wasn’t a fan of any of the teams he played for.

[@JamesEnglish]

👍🏼

[@simonmoon8773]

Very powerful and positive - I hope he gets to speak to younger players and addicts, he will surely save some from that terror.

[@forbzy246]

Far out James another fantastic interview. Paul showed so much humility. Hopefully he keeps fighting. God bless

[@joejarvis9213]

Boss interview this James. Always rated Merson as a footballer he was unbelievable this podcast shows what kind of man he is. Belter 👍

[@youredonebuddy7435]

Great video credit to James and Paul both legends for bettering themselves!

[@davidharrison3086]

Buzzing for this merson is a legend

[@mutts.nutts1]

I went to a talk night with Merse a few years back and such a genuine guy, lots of funny and compelling stories from him and have a lot of respect for the man and footballer

[@Trecesolotienesdos]

Merse is the best pundit on British TV. Straight-talking, genuine, down to Earth. Arsenal legend!

[@gdidj019]

Bookmarking this podcast I think I’ll be rewatching this a lot.

[@paulgriffiths1062]

Another great thought provoking interview James. I can vouch for paul. As a cov fan I will die for my team and I'm biased towards my team, but full respect to paul. He had the full respect of most football fans, because he was one of us. A council estate lad. Well done m8.

[@JasonBrown-zg3tr]

Merson worth every penny you earned m8 a class act.Been there on a smaller scale and this is from a spurs fan.

[@tomlawrence7675]

This will be a good one his book is amazing glad to see he is on the way back up. Amazing story . Keep up the good work James

[@paulhamilton5469]

My name is Paul and I gambling addict but I want to speak to Paul merson cause I was and I am the same and this podcast hit me where its truth

[@danielcox5082]

Superb interview that will help people in the long run. Listening to Merse & James you can hear that every word is real.

[@danielmason7036]

Can relate so much to this story (without the cups!!) Im a recovering gambling addict and the way you and Merse present yourselves here is very helpful for someone like me. I watch all of James' material, but this stands out from the rest. Fair play to you both for opening up on this vile disease. Respect!!

[@robb526]

James this Paul Merson podcast is the best podcast that you've ever done , only because everything he says I can (like so many addicts ) relate to I'm so glad to of met the fella a fair few times, I'm so glad he's got his demons under control for a daily reprieve ,may God bless him ,you and your followers (not that you read posts especially a month old post ,lol) 🙏🏼👍🏼

[@jameshawe7499]

Great interview as always and fair play to the magic man!!! What a fantastic footballer. None of us are perfect his big enough to talk about all his problems!!

[@Mcmahon143]

Paul Merson is one of my favourite people to listen to. He is the kind of person you could talk about anything to

[@mikefadian6129]

That’s an incredibly honest interview. Very powerful.

[@stephenjones529]

Love Merse and his honesty, and what a player too 👏

[@Garngad_bhoy]

Thourhgly enjoyed listening to Merse as I lived through everything he & others have I'm now 11 year clean from heroin & 18 month methadone today I have my family back a home that I'm happy in & my wee saviour my dog & Paul was right we aren't bad ppl we are sick ppl & sick ppl need help to get better all the best for the future both of you boys

[@ChrisBrown-nb4qu]

Not been to a meeting for a year or so and needed to hear this. Thanks Paul.

[@tempzsixone1091]

Good watch this one.The only time a gambler/addict wins is when they stop playing 💯

[@harryflashman2001]

This interview was amazing. I just love how quick and articulate Paul is with his answers. There is no filter with this guy, it's all laid bare. A great talker.

[@JamesEnglish]

👍🏼

[@SteveBevan79-]

Apart from not being a class footballer like Paul, this story is me in a nutshell. Thanks for posting this, emotional, but told a few home truths about me.

[@wboyle9721]

Another fantastic podcast James it was amazing you got Paul as a guest wishing Paul all the very best he is very likable keep them coming James 👍

[@melseymizouri4792]

Amazing podcast James. So down to earth Paul is. Top man.

[@thfcno1274]

As a yid, I have grown to like Merson, so glad he has pulled through, very likeable guy, says how it is, keep strong Merson, didnt like the shirt you wore, but a top man COYS

[@kevinmcnally8984]

One of thr best interviews in my opinion , such a great guy Paul is with him all the best in the future. Merry Christmas to everyone

[@derekfegen2472]

Can identify with this lad so much part from the talented football part . Excellent podcast guided him through it perfectly

[@StevoTheMadMan]

Love this James , as always !! What a fella Paul is. Keep up the good work bruva 😚👊🏾🖤

[@garyo4057]

Great down to earth honest interview, there are not many people who would put it all out there like Paul. Great interview, thank you.

[@TB-nh4dg]

Just brilliant James! The rapport and the shared experiences between yourself and Paul on addiction was fascinating. All the best to you both ❤️

[@nikkis7453]

I love Merson Arsenal Legend , he’s absolutley correct the first drink unfortunately opens up the floodgates for anyone with addiction problems , you have all Intensions to have that one drink and it goes completely pear shaped , same for the first line and first bet . Happy your currently at peace 🙏

[@EnergizedShow]

love the honesty from Paul

[@sterobwilk]

what a player and more than that what a nice bloke good one james

[@davemckinley3901]

Proper class podcast just proves money doesn't bring you happiness and we all have demons thanks james and big thanks too merse love it

[@JamesEnglish]

Cheers for watching David