I think some people are just letting their football loyalties take precedence. Personally, I’ve got little time for ‘Arry the spiv and I think Merson is a bit of a cock based on some of the shite he’s spouted about City on Soccer Saturday down the years but as
@gordondaviesmoustache once said, it’s doubtful those are Merson’s own views anyway and it’s more than likely him being used as a mouthpiece to push an agenda set by the programme makers.
However, despite my reservations about certain people in the show, I still watched it because there are people in it who I find likeable plus it goes way beyond a load of blokes going on a jolly, and it focuses on other issues such as mental health, physical health, and addiction, none of which are laughing matters. Whatever my views on Merson, he came across well and has turned things round in the past 12 months. While he’s an alcoholic (by his own admission), I got the impression that Ruddock isn’t and his issues are to do with thinking he’s 18 and can still binge drink, eat shite food, and be one of the lads.
Anyone who thinks the programme was just an excuse for a jolly-up should watch the conversation between Vinnie Jones, Lee Hendrie, and Merson.