Arsenal and England legend Paul Merson visits Kingsnorth Golf Club in Ashford alongside Dominic Matteo and Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock

Golf club members were treated to a surprise visit from a former Arsenal and England footballer.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson travelled to Ashford’s Kingsnorth Golf Club earlier this week ahead of a charity day at the venue this weekend.

Sky Sports pundit and former Arsenal star Paul Merson (centre) with Kingsnorth Golf Club owners Lauren Chilcott and Mark Chilcott

The 58-year-old was joined by ex-Liverpool defender Dominic Matteo at the nine-hole course in Ashford Road, which sits behind The Green Box Stadium.

Owner Mark Chilcott says the pair were invited by his former school pal and long-term Ashford resident, Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock, who is also an ambassador at the golf club.

They spent Tuesday signing shirts and other memorabilia, which will be auctioned off during the charity event at the club on Saturday.

Mr Chilcott, 58, said: “What an absolute privilege and honour it was to welcome some true football legends to Kingsnorth Golf Club.

“It was an absolute pleasure to meet and spend time with these fantastic football personalities and company directors.

“These fantastic signed items will be included in our charity auction, helping us raise much-needed funds for the incredible Royal Marsden Hospital.

“The charity raffle and auction will be hosted by me alongside Razor.

“This is a cause very close to our hearts for a very dear friend, Ray Street, and every penny we can raise will help support the amazing work that Ray has carried out to support the Royal Marsden in his own personal plight with cancer.

“Thank you so much for your kindness, generosity and support. It really does mean the world to us, and we are incredibly grateful.

“We are now looking forward to what promises to be a truly fantastic day on Saturday, bringing people together through golf, football, friendship and, most importantly, raising money for a wonderful cause.”

Former Liverpool and Leeds player Dominic Matteo (centre) with Kingsnorth Golf Club owners Lauren Chilcott and Mark Chilcott

Merson is best known for his 11 years at Arsenal, where he made 425 appearances and scored 99 goals.

His honours in north London include two English league titles in 1989 and 1991 and an FA Cup in 1993.

He was capped 21 times for England and also won the Division One title as Portsmouth captain in 2003.

Meanwhile, Matteo spent the majority of his career at Liverpool and Leeds United, while also playing six times for Scotland.