Paul Gascoigne back in Football!
September 27th 2010 20:32
Link: twitter.com/mattsaltmer
Controversial England legend, Paul Gascoigne, has today announced his return to football, as manager of non-league football side Garforth Town AFC. The Northern Premier League Division One North, which is the eighth tear of non-league English football, club have a history of big-name signings, and luring Gazza to return to management is another name to the list.
Paul Gascoigne is one of the most naturally talented footballers, England has ever produced, but his career, and post-career life, have been dogged by controversy. He recently turned up during a stand off between serial killer Raoul Moat and police, claiming to be the killer's friend, and offering to go fishing with him so he could cool off. The last few years have also seen countless reports of drink driving charges, and Gazza's life has been very much off the rails.
The 43-year-old's playing career ended in 2004, after making just five appearances as player-coach of Boston United. He lasted just 39 days in his only previous managerial position, at Kettering Town. The Kettering chairmen claimed his departure was brought about by drinking problems, something which the former Tottenham, Lazio and Newcastle player refuted. Gascoigne will be desperate to turn his reputation back around, and has accepted the offer to become manager of lowly Garforth Town AFC.
The little known Yorkshire minnows, have had a decorated and eventful last few years, after Simon Clifford bought the club in 2003. Clifford cleared the club's debts and promised to help them climb the league pyramid. Due to his links with Brazilian football, he has managed to lure former Brazilian International football legends, Careca and Socrates, to the club for a few appearances on player-coach deals. The match that World Cup winner, Socrates, played against Tadcaster United in 2005, brought a record crowd of 1385 to the team's stadium.
Also that season, former England and Manchester United footballer Lee Sharpe played for the club. Carlos Alberto also visited the club in the summer of 2006. So the signing of Paul Gascoigne as manager, is the latest in a long line of big names Clifford has attracted to the club, again stating his ambition for a successful future for Garforth Town AFC. We will have to wait and see how this latest adventure for both the club, and Gazza pans out. But it is great to see Gascoigne back in football, continuing what is hopefully his rehabilitation period.
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