Paul Merson Remembers Playing With Wrighty, Gazza, Redknapp & Football's Greatest Mavericks 💥 Ep 4

In this episode, Jeff is joined by his good pal Paul Merson to chat about football's greatest mavericks. Merse will know a thing or two about that having been a mercurial talent himself for Arsenal, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and England.
Who did he think was better in their prime: Ian Wright or Alan Shearer? Which of his team-mates would go looking for the opposition in the players' lounge after Premier League matches? Who would nobody go near in England training because they were just too good?
They also discuss Harry Redknapp's unusual tactics to get Merse to join Portsmouth, why a night out caused him to receive the biggest rollicking of his career and whether a player from the Championship will make an England World Cup squad ever again.
Football's Greatest is a Folding Pocket production with BBC Studios.
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0:00 Intro
01:00 Podcast starts
01:40 Soccer Saturday memories
06:34 Jack Grealish
12:09 Paul Gascoigne
14:40 Ian Wright
19:25 Stan Collymore
20:50 Ray Wilkins
22:22 John Barnes
23:41 David Beckham
27:10 Diego Maradona
33:00 Harry Redknapp
37:10 Wishing he was a great football manager
This is Football's Greatest with Jeff Stelling, a weekly podcast where the legendary host sits down with icons of the sport - one on one - to talk about those who made a difference in the beautiful game from a players’ perspective: the top keepers, the toughest defenders, the silkiest midfielders and the deadliest strikers.
The show will also look at those who had great influence off the pitch too - the successful managers, the funniest team-mates and the most impressive leaders in the dressing room - and pay homage to indelible moments from the biggest competitions like the Premier League, Champions League and the World Cup.
Broken down into two individual episodes with each guest, Football’s Greatest will take you inside the dressing rooms of some of the best soccer teams the world has ever seen. You will hear stories that surprise you, that make you laugh out loud and that you will be thinking of and telling people about for days after.
#footballsgreatest #jeffstelling #paulmerson
Ian Wright's Tantrums, Redknapp's Bonkers Tactics & Paul Merson's Greatest Mavericks 💥 | Ep 4

[@LeeRestoration1275]

Paul is a much under rated legend of the game - his knowledge and honesty is second to none , i really hope he is conquering his demons - he is needed in the sport for a long time to come

[@chiplawson5491]

The thing that is so great about Merse is the fact he's so honest and has such enthusiasm and respect for those he talks about within the game. His football knowledge is also vastly underrated.

[@stevehomer3676]

Wonderful time spent listening. Nothing like this on any of the big channels anymore. Their loss - our gain 🏆

[@deanwarde7126]

Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one. the 2 Garys, Neville & Linekers pods are informative, funny & on the money, Peter Crouch has a good one too. On a different level, Simon Jordan is an excellent listen.

[@rob1969in]

completely agree with what Merse says about Stan,he was ridiculously good,so good to see Merse looking so well and happy.

[@chrisab66]

Enjoyed that. Wish Jeff would bring back that old Time of our Lives for football teams from 70s, 80s and 90s, miss that show.

[@kirkham111]

A pad cast with the whole crew would be great

[@fergusmaher7490]

Spurs fan here. Always love listening to Merse.

[@SW-kr9fl]

Merse was a superb player. Arsenal legend.

[@Rossboy2112]

Great player Merson was nobody has a bad word to say about him he’s an Arsenal legend ❤ lovely fella great personality has demons like most human beings all the best to him ❤

[@joshdearlove225]

Big Millwall supporter in my 30s. Im too young to have been at the game Merson refers to. But the story of his performance and standing ovation is passed down as a story as the only time thats has ever happened at millwall. As is passed down a hatred and respect for Pompey, which makes this event even better

[@RobDug]

I was a steward at my local non league, one midweek night game we were playing a team that Walsall had in a cup game the following week. I was on the gate and I saw P Merson on the visitor list, I always loved him as a player so I kept an eye out and I saw him stood on his own right at the back of a massive queue, no attempt to come up to the gate and get through, just waiting patiently with the fans. I went and got him and took him to his seat, no airs and graces, absolute top bloke.

[@SarahTheBoredEnglishPerson]

What a great interview. Merse knows his stuff. And a great footballer himself. Love hearing his opinions.

[@moz7777]

Spot on about Barnes at Liverpool. Unplayable. Also agree with Maradona, truly the greatest to kick a ball.

[@mrhussain9008]

I think Messi has surpassed him imo. The 3 most naturally gifted footballers are Messi Maradona R9

[@staffh3815]

Still maradona for me r9 could have been if not for injuries 😢​@mrhussain9008

[@2headedboii]

'Nah that turned out to be a good night' The honesty is refreshing. You're a legend Merse, legendary player, legendary survivor!

[@PANDAPILCH]

Yes! Jeff Stelling finally has his own podcast!

[@Rossboy2112]

It’s unbelievable ❤

[@NTL578]

Jeff?​@@Rossboy2112

[@issyjas3309]

Needs to get his own shirt

[@samuelbloom2520]

Merc,so honest about himself.Great Guy.

[@markmccarron1851]

Quality!! This is the 1st episode i’ve watched, can’t wait for more. Merse is a true legend of the game loved watching him play & on T.V.🙌

[@ScottReviewsThings]

Without a doubt. For me. The best player I’ve ever seen at Portsmouth. He was the heart beat of that team that year. Merse you will always be a Pompey legend.

[@davidnorman3745]

This is brilliant Jeff. Keep them coming.

[@mrkipling2201]

Gazza got Spurs to the 1991 Cup final almost on his own, in my opinion. One of the best we've ever seen play the game.

[@ArmyofLove]

Paul merson always has an honest and fair reflection on things.

[@andrewbryce2707]

Merson speaking truth bars regarding John Barnes. Barnes at his best was an unbelievable player.

[@mrkipling2201]

One of the best players in the world from 1987-1990.

[@a.f.8]

I am Spurs supporter, but Merse is just one of my favourite people in the game. Honesty, humility,emotionally intelligent, and by the way, was a great player! He did one of the best programmes I have seen on TV in recent years, on BBC a couple of years, where he filmed himself walking through the Yorkshire countryside and just musing about his life, meeting people on the way. I have tried searching on the iPlayer but can’t find it. Would love to watch it again 👍🏼

[@stevehomer3676]

Same here spurs supporter but bigger fan of personality and bright football. 👍

[@Leer1969]

Brilliant podcast and Merson honest as usual love the bloke for it 😊

[@philiplaycock8944]

Brilliant Jeff! Paul most definitely had a huge talent!

[@stevenmorley1639]

I'm glad Jeff is presenting his own Podcast now and Certainly will attract top players to his show . N.B to the props Dept .can you provide a couple of coffee tables so no-one has to put their cups on the chair . 😊

[@darrenb3214]

I don’t think there’s another ex-footballer like Merson, in the way he speaks. He’s so open, no bravado, no ego. Says it like it is and seems genuinely a really good person. 🤍

[@Honmatres]

So good to see you again Jeff!

[@davidhigginbottom569]

Please do an interview with the great Charlie George. He is the best English player I ever saw in a Derby Shirt. What a player and a great man to talk to too. God bless him

[@jack8988]

New subscriber what a great listen this was! Gotta love merse

[@garylovattlovatt193]

Superb watch. Thanks so much 😊😊

[@Razormiller]

I agree with Merse about Stan Collymore. I thought he was an amazing footballer. An absolute monster of a player. He had everything. Strength, speed, skill, great finisher, great long shots etc. He was great at Forest and when he went to Liverpool I really thought(back then) he would become one of the best players in the World. Unfortunately the mental side of it seemed to sidetrack the footballin potential he had. He still had great moments where he showed his ability(his goal for Villa v Atletico springs to mind) but he never really quite hit the heights I expected of him. Always felt like he had so much more potential left untapped so its interesting to hear Merse say that.

[@neilshayler3119]

Love Merson met him at a dinner speech and was chatting as my Grandad managed Pauls dad, he's had his troubles but boy lovely guy wish him all the best

[@ericgeorge5483]

I'm a Boro fan and Merson was unbelievable for us. Legend, and a real gent too.

[@SamCovington-fh7ek]

Jeff and Merse legends the pair of them

[@alanssnackbardailyrelaxati8155]

Proper bloke. Merse. Realising the importance of the ovation of rival fans.. especially from millwall.

[@OddMinimum-rk7lv]

I remember that Millwall game, they absolutely tore us to shreds and Merse was the main reason for that. Could tell he was head and shoulders above everyone that day, even at that age! Different granuals….definitely a Maverick and a proper legend

[@KingKong-ee8hc]

Great to hear ur voice again Jeff, I was lucky enough to watch Merson play and he was genius

[@footballsgreatestpod]

Magic man 🪄

[@bigkahuna9942]

Hearing the stories from ex players that this podcast gives you is awesome .

[@Blandalorian]

The word “legend” is incredibly overused in modern football, but Merse is a Pompey legend. And to do that in only a single season speaks to just how good and how important he was that season.

[@joshdearlove225]

Pompey Legend. But, looks out for Millwall scores.... Tbf thats the best anyone ever played a game at our ground. Including our own players since we moved to the new ground

[@charlieandrews6121]

What about arsenal

[@ryangovier6384]

He's a legend in general tbh!

[@silewis9396]

Pompey legend isn't used often. Merse was a hell of a talented player in his prime no doubt. I wish him well in the battle v the demons

[@joshuawilliams8523]

He is a Arsenal legend too tbf the guy is a legend in general

[@jaguar629]

What a fantastic interview.

[@andykopgod]

Really enjoyed that, could we have a part 2 with him talking about his problems

[@johnnobrega4767]

Bloody awesome, loves The Merse !

[@Ron-io3vu]

Good old Merson, loved seeing him on the ball at Highbury standing on the north bank , one from my Era with Adam’s/winterburn/Dixon/Keown and wrighty

[@richs180]

Love Merse. Hope he is staying well. Good watch. Subscribed.

[@coyne_h91]

Fantastic podcast! Two mavericks talking about mavericks! Brilliant 👏

[@colinfarrelly2513]

Absolute legend.

[@jayh6565]

Spot on Merse. I'm with you on all of what you said. Especially on Diego Maradona being the best ever. That second goal in 86, on a moving newly laid pitch was unbelievably good. Would've loved to see you turn out at Selhurst in Red and Blue. Top bloke 👍🏻

[@user-uf6sk4uw9c]

Wonderful to see merse looking well 😊

[@johnhunter5288]

Top man! Smashing player!

[@Tom.Jackson.]

Only found Footballs Greatest today, loved this and just watched p2, Merse is a hell of a guy, love the bloke, love that much just searched amazon to see if he got any books, found one 😁

[@khalzo7804]

Need more honesty like this

[@fabiostefanutto5307]

Great player, great guy, always entertaining.

[@1984aok]

Stood next to him at a nonleague game a few months ago he was watching his son. Lovely man chatting to me throughout was awsomme esp as an Arsenal fan.

[@paulnova7536]

Merson the person love him longtime proper old school character. Up the Chelsea.

[@danielflack2923]

Thanks for the memories magic man. First name I ever had on my shirt

[@pauladamson8684]

Love both these guys. Merse is a top bloke. Jeff well what can you say, what a presenter

[@sjacko1066]

Just brilliant

[@user-wl1oh5nd9o]

Great!!! more please

[@andrew-jv7iv]

12-3 Saturday was the best thing on telly. Condense to 90 minutes, facetime the fellas. Release on Friday evening.

[@matthewdoyle3877]

Jeff Stelling a legend

[@user-ls2lt1db8e]

Brilliant 👏

[@gerardonochie3408]

Arsenal Legend Paul Merson. Honest and likable player says it as it is.

[@michaelcrump6192]

Always A Pleasure To Listen To MERC !!!!!!! I’m 53 now. I’m a WOLVES Fan. Played a bit at an half decent level . Once saw MERC play for Arsenal vs Everton with a mate of mine Phil McKernan ( Everton Fan ) at Goodson Park 1989 / 90 I think ? I think it was a 1.1 draw ? Mike Newell scored for Everton. MERC was Magnificent that day. And his mates were !!!!! Watched him again years later playing under Happy Harry for Portsmouth at The Molineux. Playing in centre midfield . He Ran The Show Did MERC that night ( it was a midweek night match ). MERC was MAGNIFICENT . It was A PRIVILEGE to see him play that night . As A Wolves Fan With A Gun In My Hand That Night I WOULD AV SHOT HIM LOL !!!!!!! I ain’t seen Phil for years. But the last time I saw him , he was Dr. Phil McKernan ( Genetics ) living in Zurich FFS LOL !!!!!!!!!! I live in Oldbury !!!!!!!!!!!! OIY MERC Look After Yourself U DAFT BOLLOCKS !!!!!! UR A HERO !!!!! No , seriously MERC . Look After Yourself Chap . I’ve had my problems . Ur Worth Listening To . U Contribute. You were Some Player NOT HALF !!!!!!!!

[@FitzElda]

The goal Merson scored against Sheffield Wednesday in the 1993 league cup final was a cracker

[@marklawrence4748]

Great podcast mers is a legend

[@twin7161]

Brilliant 👏👏👌

[@maxfrasier]

Great to see the Magic Man in a good place.

[@bantamNeil12]

Absolutely brilliant and deserving of the name "The Magic Man" 🎩 🪄 🔮 ⚽️ 👏🏻👏🏻

[@footballsgreatestpod]

Cheers Neil ⚽️👑

[@ivanamassivedump8715]

I love the way our favourite presenters are doing their own thing now. There's a few that have done it. I think they got tired of the corporate stranglehold.

[@leef-r2583]

Oh Jack I love that he stopped for that girl a heart warming moment and I'm not that sort of fella so I think he is a legend ❤️

[@DEEDUBZ]

Merse is an Arsenal great. 2 great storytellers, Jeff and Merse.

[@garykillington4915]

This is better than sky 100% i love it ❤

[@alancochran937]

The magic man, he was fantastic at Pompey

[@footballsgreatestpod]

Lucky Harry convinced him 😅

[@vantheman1238]

Gazza was that good he would play in any era and that includes today. Of course coaches, managers and clubs would work with him. Imagine how good he would be in today’s game.

[@teamtempest844]

Merson speaking highly about the drink driving smash and run type! What a community.

[@jonathangault3335]

Ray Wilkins came up to Glasgow Rangers.....CLASS

[@Geeyerheidawobble]

Scored an absolute screamer in the 5-1 game 👌

[@user-ql6ob9wb2i]

Great episode

[@DJCoachCookie68]

Love the Merse, the Magic Man, first saw him play on Telly at age 17 I think in a 5a side Tourney for the Arse, and with his long hair I thought he looked and played like a Maverick Frenchman!

[@marksilbery6279]

I see the same evening standard six a side he was unbelievable wasn't he 👍

[@marksheppard4715]

Interesting discussion about Gazza. I think if he played today there would be far earlier recognition and intervention before his issues escalated. Not guaranteed to work of course but I do think he could gave been even better and achieved even more playing today.

[@markbeckett5138]

Merse, legend.

[@nathanhipple1004]

Jeff love the show and love Merse as a guy in recovery from addiction. You need a shirt that does not show your tummy though mate 😉

[@brianmaguire3413]

Good to see merson looking good should be a coach

[@towniebuey]

I still find it hilarious that sky bet still paid Merson to be in their adverts. Unbelievable (Jeff) really. What a player, and what a run Soccer Saturday had.

[@prash_t]

The Magic man!

[@somisak]

Merse loved the outside of the boot pass 👌

[@andreblanchette9151]

Merse was the reason I started supporting The Arsenal back in 88'

[@the-68quadfather45]

Jeff that shirt button gonna go off like a 9mm

[@LordFlashheart.11]

🤣🤣👍🏻

[@jamesburke2094]

Literally yesterday was on about john barnes' legendary status

[@Dj-et6zf]

Magic merse at the villa was amazing to watch.. utv

[@rosshawkes2501]

What a player merse was

[@stannats2637]

Plenty of time for Merson

[@mrfrisky6501]

Love when top players confirm how good Gazza was...

[@jackmeough6338]

Re Stan Bowles being in a bookies half hour before kick off, I saw Steve Claridge, albeit near the ground, trying to get a bet on at 2:30 and the bookie saying the favourite has already fallen, no more bets.😂

[@russellclay2087]

Unbelievable Jeff

[@larryanderson9711]

No lie. Stanley Victor and Merse are my two favourite players

[@alexashworth6618]

Love merse what a legend

[@footballsgreatestpod]

And what a storyteller! 👏

[@pauljennings3047]

Merse you are an arsenal legend and top man massive respect

[@matthewdoyle3877]

Why wimp

[@pauljennings3047]

Piss off

[@matthewesney2629]

Merse was underrated, his outside of the left foot always found its target and he was more than capable of a top bins

[@leebush4053]

You mean right foot. He'd agree his left foot was to stand on.

[@matthewesney2629]

@@leebush4053 I got 20quid saying this fellas a virgin.. Any takers?

[@americathisweek.6077]

Brilliant show

[@danielhughes7228]

Love ya Merse. UTV