SoccerPod
The soccerPod hosts long-form, heart to heart interviews with past legends of the game of soccer. There is a massive market for soccer in the United States today, but it wasn’t always this way. We go back in time and talk to legends from the prior era, whose stories are not well known in the United States. We talk about playing with no shin guards, the apparent impossibility of a straight red card and smoking cigarettes at halftime. We talk about the legendary games they were a part of, the goals they scored and the trophies that they won. But we also explore the time and culture in which our guests grew up – whether it was, as a kid - seeing the Berlin Wall go up in their backyard, or going to sleep to the sounds of IRA bombs in 1980’s Belfast. From childhood through their professional careers, on to where they are today – our guests’ have all had interesting rides – and we explore them here.
For those who love it, the beautiful game connects us all. So relax, kick back and if you are into soccer talk with a nod towards nostalgia – or you just want to hear some fascinating stories that will make you laugh - give us a go.
SoccerPod
Paul Merson
Paul Merson is one of the most popular soccer pundits in the UK. And his voice and childlike enthusiasm serves as nice commentary to go with some of the biggest moments of recent English football.
He is a legend at mighty Arsenal as his runs down the right and crosses in were a mainstay of that era. He has his fair share of trophies - and he played in and won a game that in my view – is the most important in Premier League history – where it entered a new strata of popularity.
But Paul is also in recovery – from alcohol, drugs and what he says is the worse one by far – gambling. When we booked Paul – he required a fee for his time – not an unusual thing for us. But what was unusual is it was made very clear to us on several occasions that we were never under any circumstances to give money directly to Paul. Directly to his wife was the firm instruction.
Paul’s phone is disabled from adding apps so as not to allow for any gambling.
The reason for this worry had to do with a gambling relapse Paul had recently suffered – He had worked hard with Sky and BBC - and saved up for 18 months for a down payment on a new home with his wife – 160,000 pounds was now sitting in savings.
Covid had made him antsy though and as he put it - the monster awoke in him. Within half a day – one 4 hour session - he had lost it all - on various sports - mostly table tennis – of which he knew nothing, but was one of the few sports that he could find during the lockdown - but he had to bet on something. It was for him – rock bottom.
He contemplated two choices. Tell his wife – or commit suicide. And for 2 weeks he wasn’t sure. Hard to believe walking around for 2 weeks with that operating on your mind. But in the end, and as he spent time with his children, luckily the answer was to come clean and tell his wife. And luckily, she stood by him - sought help from the right people, and things seem to be ok.
I think of that as being a heroic moment for Paul – and he allows for some pride to come out as he recalls the decision – which was cool to see.
Paul was a year clear of this when we sat with him in Twickenham in West London – and he seemed well. We spoke about his tremendous Arsenal career, his national team experience with the Three Lions – and of course his demons off the pitch.
As he put it – all we have is one day at a time.
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