Walsall player-manager Paul Merson has confirmed he will honour his Bescot contract and play for the Saddlers again next season, even if they are relegated to the Second Division.

Merson and midfield team-mate Simon Osborn have been appointed as a temporary management team until the end of the season but two defeats from the duo's opening two matches in charge has seen the Saddlers slip into the First Division relegation zone.

The 36-year-old Merson has won 21 England caps as well as two old Division One championships plus Coca Cola Cup, FA Cup European Cup Winners' Cup medals.

But he was adamant pride would not stand in the way of him completing the final season of his two-year Walsall contract in Division Two, should relegation prove unavoidable.

"I don't want to be finishing my career in Division Two but if that comes to pass than what will be will be," he said.

"I'm not going to run away and have a big ego, I've been through much worse in my career."