PAUL MERSON | Pompey Hall of Fame 2017

The fourth and final inductee into the 2017 Pompey Hall of Fame is Paul Merson. Merson was very much a one-season wonder – but that is in no way meant as a criticism of the midfield genius brought in by Harry Redknapp. He was the lynchpin – and captain – of the 2002/03 side that etched their names into Fratton folklore. Coming to the end of a 17-year playing career that had seen him win titles with Arsenal and gain 21 England caps, he arrived at Fratton Park as a marquee signing. And Merson showed a level of class seldom seen on the south coast as he orchestrated Pompey’s magnificent march to the Division One title. His 12 goals in 48 appearances were only a small part of his vital contribution, as he sprayed exquisite pin-point passes to the strikers, including Svetoslav Todorov, who finished as the division’s leading marksman. Not one to outstay his welcome, Merson then called time on his Blues career, rejecting the chance of one more shot at Premier League football and instead joining Walsall as player/manager.