Arsenal star Paul Merson talks football with Lowestoft Lions

Paul Merson, a former England international and now a Sky Soccer Saturday pundit, was at the Ivy House Hotel in Oulton Broad as a guest speaker for the Lowestoft Lions Sportsman's Charity Dinner.

Merson's visit came thirty four years to the day since his Arsenal team won the First Division league title in the 88/89 season at Anfield and on the weekend that he bade farewell to Jeff Stelling, the host of Sky Soccer Saturday.

Paul Merson entertained about 160 people with his football and pundit anecdotes Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

After making his football league debut in 1986 season Merson went on to play over 300 games for the Gunners and donned the Three Lions shirt 21 times as a full England international.

Then when his playing career ended, he became a pundit and commentator.

He said that commenting and giving football match reports on Soccer Saturday with Jeff Stelling was the second-best job to playing football that he had.

He added: "I have been a pundit the longest, being there for 16 years, and we have had plenty of laughs together. It will be sad to see Jeff go."

The evening concluded with jokes from comedian Mick Martin who is very popular on the after-dinner circuit.

The Lowestoft Lions Sportsman’s Charity Dinner was held in memory of Lion Ivan Gilbert who died in 2020 and who loved to both organise and attend the evenings.

The late Ivan Gilbert Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The Lions say he is fondly remembered for his boundless enthusiasm, generosity and love of helping others.

Co-organiser Glyn Page thanked Merson for sharing his football stories and sponsors Gilbert Builders, Cross Media, Print and Digital Solutions and PJ Gillman jewellers.

He said: “The evening was a big success for Lowestoft Lions, raising a worthwhile sum for the Lions charity account which assists community groups and individuals who are in need.”