Paul Merson hinted he would put his retirement on hold after Portsmouth clinched the First Division title with a 3-2 win over Rotherham at a jubilant Fratton Park.

The former Arsenal, Middlesbrough and Aston Villa midfielder, 35, has so far refused to confirm his future plans as Pompey ponder their first season back in the top flight for 15 years.

However, Merson said: "I will go away with my lovely wife and think about it but I think it would be silly not to come back for one more year."

He said: "It's an honour - look at those fans, they are different class. I feel very honoured.

"As (Wolves manager) Dave Jones says, anybody beats anybody in this division but we have been the most consistent and that was the difference."

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp admitted winning the title meant "an awful lot".

Second-placed Leicester cannot catch Pompey with one game remaining and following their 1-1 draw with Norwich earlier in the day.

A penalty from Merson and two goals from Svetoslav Todorov meant a feisty Millers team, who scored through Guy Branston and Chris Swailes, were beaten.

"It's fantastic," said Redknapp. "They have been great all season.

"It was a tough game tonight. Ronnie Moore had got them having a right go.

"Us and Leicester have pulled away and we just made the big break.

"It means an awful lot," Redknapp added. "Having got promoted, winning the championship means an awful lot."

And the former West Ham manager took a moment to send his best wishes to current Upton Park boss Glenn Roeder, who is recovering from a minor stroke.

"I just hope Glenn Roeder makes a full and speedy recovery."

Portsmouth defender Linvoy Primus was named man of the match, although he admitted the performance had been "a bit shaky".

He said: "We just got what we needed, we got the three points and that makes us champions. We have been up there all season, so why not?

"The management are quality. They brought in a new players and it's just worked."

Rotherham manager Moore felt hard done by for Merson's penalty after Branston was deemed to have fouled Todorov.

He said: "Our defending in places let us down and we were a bit naive.

"I didn't think it was a penalty, it looked very harsh to me.

"I'm disappointed we haven't got anything from the game but I'm also very proud and if Leicester were watching they will have no complaints about the amount of effort we put in."