sentences:  Merson was dropped to the bench for the following game, a 5–0 defeat away to Grays Athletic.Merson announced his retirement from professional football as a player on 9 March 2006, less than a month after joining Tamworth.Although the club finished in 21st position in the Conference National in the 2005/06 season (the second relegation position), the club were spared the drop after Canvey Island resigned from the league.