The former PFA Young Player of the Year, who is famous for recovering from addictions to drink, drugs and gambling, will appear at Urban Tiger in Wellingborough Road before, during and after the Manchester United versus Barcelona final, which is being shown live at the club.

Club manager, Les Harrison, said: "It's set to be a top night; Paul Merson is doing the after dinner circuit at the moment and he's got some great football stories."

The career of Mr Merson, a Sky Sports News pundit, provides rich pickings for after dinner speeches.

His football career encompassed one of the most exciting league matches ever played when his Arsenal team won the First Division Championship with the almost last kick of the 1988/1989 season.

He won two league titles, the FA and league cups, the European Cup Winner's Cup and 21 England caps, including games in the 1998 World Cup.

Off the field he is perhaps best known for admitting to cocaine and alcohol addictions while an Arsenal player.

He also beat a gambling addiction for which he admitted himself to a special clinic in Arizona for treatment in 2005.

Doors open on Wednesday at 6pm, Mr Merson will start his talk at 7pm and the match kicks off at 7.45pm with tasteful pole dances during the event.

Tickets for entry to Urban Tiger are £10 each which includes a free curry and rice. Call Northampton 824766 for tickets and information.

Mr Harrison said: "As the advert goes, Carlsberg don't put on football nights but if they did it'd probably be something like this one."