UNSURPRISINGLY for a man who spent two years playing football just up the road at West Ham United, John Hartson is no stranger to Billericay.

And it’s probably no great surprise to many to learn who first introduced him to the drinking establishments of the town’s High Street.

“I’ve been here before for the odd pint with my old mate Razor,” laughed Hartson, talking about his old Hammers team-mate Neil Ruddock.

No doubt, keen Irons fans will want to pick his brains further about those nights out with Ruddock and co when Hartson comes to Billericay’s Reid’s on Wednesday, September 9.

Hartson promises an entertaining evening in two weeks’ time and is sure to prove popular with fans of his former clubs West Ham and Arsenal, as well as to any football fans.

“I will be telling some of my life stories, talking about my football career and meeting some of the fans,” he said.

“I’m just one of them at the end of the day but I’ve just been lucky enough to play in front of them.”

Hartson, who also had a hugely successful spell at Celtic, won’t just have tales of football’s ups and downs.

The popular Welsh international had the biggest challenge of his life in 2009 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

The cancer spread to his lungs and he was in a critical condition before battling back to beat the disease.

Hartson’s playing career came to an end after his diagnosis but he has since forged out a career in the media and so is well placed to talk about how he thinks his former clubs, West Ham and Arsenal, will fare this season.

The Hammers, of course, made a perfect start to the season when they beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates but have suffered two unexpected defeats since at home to Leicester and Bournemouth.

But Hartson still expects his old team-mate Slaven Bilic to do a good job in the club’s final season at Upton Park.

“I think West Ham were fantastic against Arsenal,” said the Welshman, who made 60 appearances for the Hammers. “I think they have bought really well, (Dimitri) Payet is a great player and will do well and the fans are happy with Slaven Bilic’s appointment.

“The fans would sooner get relegated watching top class football and see their team give 200 per cent every week, and Bilic will make sure his players give their all.

“I always look out for West Ham’s results,” he said. “Moving to a new ground is a brilliant move for them but they must be in the Premier League to take full advantage of the great stadium. A top half finish would be great for them, as well as a good cup run.”

As for Arsenal, Hartson said he was surprised by their slow start which has seen them pick up four points from their first three games. And he believes Gunners manager Arsene Wenger needs to sign a world-class striker before the transfer deadline if they were to challenge for the league title.

“Arsenal need another striker,” he said. “Someone like Ian Wright who will come in and score 25 times a season, with a few ugly goals thrown in for good measure.”

l An Evening with John Hartson takes place at Reids (formerly Ivory Rooms) in Billericay on September 9. Tickets, which include a three-course meal, cost £39.95 and can be booked by calling 01277 632378.