Hero and villain - Paul Merson

Paul Merson's honest and at times harrowing account of his recovery from gambling, drugs and alcohol abuse, starting with England's 1998 World Cup campaign and his bitter departure from Middlesbrough, and ending with the conclusion of the 1999/2000 Premiership season.Merson's career reached its peak as he gained selection for Glenn Hoddle's England squad for the 1998 World Cup. His insider's view of the England camp makes fascinating reading: consoling an angry Gazza after his omission from the squad; the ribbing of Hoddle on the training ground; witnessing the dropping of David Beckham and the rise of Michael Owen - his partner on the pool table - and taking part in the epic match against Argentina, in which Merson scored a penalty.On the domestic scene, Merson highlights his unique relationship with Gazza, the angst over his departure from Middlesbrough - what did Bryan Robson say to Merson on the day he left? - and provides an illuminating insight into his rollercoaster journey with Aston Villa, including forthright views on Stan Collymore and manager John Gregory.In this updated edition of his book, Merson unravels the next chapter in his recovery from his addictions, including the bouts of depression during 1999/2000 when he almost went off the rails.