You ask the questions

(Such as: George Best, in what ways do you consider yourself similar to Paul Gascoigne?)

George Best, 52, was born in Belfast. His football career started at the age of 15 when he joined Manchester United. He later played for Northern Ireland. Best became notorious for his talents off the pitch, including his flair with women, drinking and gambling. He retired at 27 and now has his own wine label and a column in Punch, and commentates for Sky Sport. He is married to Alex, his second wife, and they live in Chelsea. He has a son called Callum.

Were you surprised to hear that Paul Gascoigne has checked into a drying out clinic?

Dan Farnham, Chester

The fact that he's made the move is great. The most important thing is not to hide from your problems. So let's hope he'll get it together and we'll get a few more years out of him.

You said in one article that you felt you were similar to Gazza - why?

Phil Martin, Essex

Only from a media point of view, we're similar in that the pressures are similar; we're both under the spotlight. But away from that, I had massive success on the field. Paul hasn't had it that much, not the big time. Maybe he's a bit like me, in the sense that I wanted to be best at everything. If my pals had 20 drinks, I had to have 21, and it became like a competition.

Given the choice, would you be more likely to take up the offer of managing Manchester United or Northern Ireland?

Paul Farmer, North Ferriby, East Yorkshire.

Northern Ireland, simply because it's less pressure. You only play half a dozen games a season, and you're not expected to win trophies.

What is your biggest personal ambition for the new millennium?

P Farmer

Just to make it; just to be there.

What is your biggest regret?

P Farmer

Meeting a guy called Bill McMurdo, my agent for a number of years. We've just had a court case resulting in Alex, my wife, and me leaving where we were living. The nice thing is, we moved to Cheyne Walk, but it wasn't a nice situation.

Have you got any shares in Manchester United? What is your opinion on the Sky takeover bid?

P Farmer

Funnily enough, I and Rodney Marsh, who used to play for Manchester City when I was at Manchester United, almost bought shares about eight years ago, but decided not to. We regret it now, because the share price has trebled.

I think Rupert Murdoch's takeover bid was inevitable. To be honest, I don't see what difference it makes who owns the club if they're pumping money into it. It won't make any difference to what happens on the field.

Who is the most attractive female you have had the pleasure of meeting?

P Farmer

Apart from my wife Alex, the most attractive woman was Christie Brinkley, who I met in Tramp before she married Billy Joel. She was absolutely stunning, and had no airs and graces.

Why have you grown a beard?

Bernd Hofmeister, Germany

Pure laziness - my beard grows so quickly I used to have to shave three times a day. I hate shaving, and Alex trims it for me now.

What footballer, past or present, most reminds you of you?

David Hubbard, Nottingham

As a player, one of my heroes was Jimmy Greaves. He made it look so easy, and that's how it felt for me when I was playing. In terms of publicity, David Beckham. He's got a high-profile fiancee, which is like me with the Miss Worlds.

Have you ever said "No" to something you wanted, for fear of what you might become if you had it? And if the answer is yes, excluding drink, what are the three most important incidents in your life when this has happened?

Melford F Bramble

Southsea, Hampshire

I've never said no to anything. Probably my big problem is that I've always said yes.

What really happened between you and the Doc before that cup match with Plymouth in '74?

Ian Corry, Best Page online.

Basically, when I turned up for the game, I figured I was playing. He took me to a referee's room about an hour and a half before kick-off and told me I wasn't playing. I hadn't turned up for one of the practices that week, and I think he was just saying he was the boss.

I suppose you now regret not transferring to a Continental team in '74? Which one would you have chosen?

I Corry

Dutch football was the best in 1974 and I'd have gone for that. Italy was always the place to go, but pressure was always severe, so I'd probably have taken the easy option.

Do you think the English press would have treated you differently if you'd been English?

I Corry

No, they treat you the same no matter what colour, creed or religion you are. They have a wonderful knack of putting you on a pedestal and then thinking they have the right to knock you off.

Did you ever ask Gordon Banks his opinion about whether the "goal" you scored (when you kicked the ball over his head as he was trying to clear it) should have been allowed? (Northern Ireland V England 1971)

Wyn Davies, Burry Port, Dyfed

I see Gordon quite a lot at functions - when he's asked, he insists it wasn't a goal, and I'm the opposite. I still say it was a goal, but the referee was flummoxed because he'd never seen anything like it before.

It is said that you can still take a corner when pissed - is this true?

Terry Varnfield, Northampton

I can still do anything when pissed.

One of your former lovers gave you two out of ten for your performance in bed. Given that you get one point for being there, can you remember what you got the other point for?

Brian Timms, Glasgow

It's a story I tell at dinners - it was actually one of the Miss Worlds. She had a little black book with a list of lovers, and my story grew from there. I always say that I only gave her one out of ten.

Do you find it sad and wasteful that legends such as yourself and Maradona (who still wishes to coach Argentina) are being ostracised from a physical contribution to the game, and do you find a media role frustrating?

Collin Rossini, Harwich, Essex

I'm not ostracised. I just decided that physically, I didn't want to be involved in the game. I help train children all over the world, and that's my contribution. I find the media role stimulating. It's a way of keeping in touch, watching a sport you love, and getting paid for it. Although I sometimes get itchy feet, and that can be frustrating.

Pele has said you were the greatest football player ever. But do you believe him ?

R Watson

I've known Pele over 25 years, and played against him many times. And I've never known him tell a lie.

Which filled you with more pride - putting on the red shirt of Manchester United or the green shirt of Northern Ireland?

R Watson

There's no contest. When I played at Manchester we had a great side, and pulling on the red shirt was always special. Northern Ireland was always a struggle. It was never going to be a great side, although we did enjoy ourselves.

Would you consider any managerial positions placed before you ?

R Watson

No. I don't have the heart to tell players and kids that they're not good enough. I don't think I could stand the pressure.

Do you feel you still have any unfulfilled aspirations ?

R Watson

I'd like a couple more kids. Alex and I are in practice at the moment.

Which contemporary player do you admire most?

Gerald Porter, Dublin

Michael Owen is a bit special, but my favourite player is Zola at Chelsea. He's terrific. Mark Hughes, playing for Southampton, is a fiend on the pitch. I think he's a man's player.

When was the last time you cried?

Sara Willis, Camden

I cry a lot. I'm a softie. The most recent was when a good friend of mine, Bobby Keetch, died suddenly. He was larger than life and wrote a letter to me just before he died, almost as if he knew. Every time I get it out and read it I cry. I also cry at soppy films. The last one I cried at was Ghost. I lie in bed with Alex watching movies, and we both pretend we're not getting soppy.

Would you ever consider taking Viagra?

Rob Spicer, Melbury

Fortunately I've never needed it.

Can you remember the largest number of drinks you've ever consumed in one sitting?

Simon McDougall, Fife

By the end of it, I can't usually remember. But I do remember going on a bender in the States that lasted a month, without eating a thing. I still enjoy a drink but it doesn't interfere with my life any more.

What one thing would you change in your life? What one thing in life has changed you most?

Richard James, Lewisham

I used to think there was one thing I'd change, I'd like to have met my wife 30 years ago - until I realised she'd have been minus four. A couple of friends have died, and that's changed me. I realise how lucky I am because I've got no intention of going anywhere for a while.

You Ask The

Questions

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- by noon on Friday, 16 October