Paul Gascoigne believes he can 'get back on track'
The former England international's agent revealed his client had begun drinking again
Monday 04 February 2013
Paul Gascoigne still believes he can “get back on track” after his latest “relapse”, according to players' chief Gordon Taylor.
Gascoigne, who has spoken about alcoholism problems in the past and was sectioned five years ago under the Mental Health Act, appeared to be unwell and trembling at a charity appearance in Northampton on Thursday.
His agent Terry Baker said the 45-year-old had been drinking and needs immediate help, suggesting Gascoigne's life is "always in danger".
The Professional Footballers' Association have vowed to continue giving the former England midfielder as much support as possible, and having been in contact with Gascoigne over the weekend, the union's chief executive Taylor told Press Association Sport: "He still feels he is capable of getting back on track and [that] it is a relapse he has had.
"I can only say, whatever help he needs, he must come on [board] and we will help to provide it.
"I think he does need specialist care and a very strong 24-hour support system, but again, it needs him to be part of that."
Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker admits he is struggling to see a positive outcome for his former England and Tottenham team-mate Gascoigne, writing on Twitter: "I can only hope he finds peace somehow, but fear those hopes may be forlorn."
Taylor has expressed his concern that the case could be comparable with that of George Best, the former Manchester United and Northern Ireland winger who died aged 59 in 2005 after a long struggle with alcoholism.
He is adamant that the PFA will not be giving up on Gascoigne, though, and after ex-United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel commented on Twitter that the organisation needed to "step up" their efforts to help the troubled star, Taylor has also stressed how much work they have already put in.
"We have tried to support him throughout all his problems with rehabilitation at various clinics, with medical help," Taylor said.
"We go one step forward and two back at times and this is just the situation.
"If we are not careful, it is going to be akin to George Best. It is unfortunate, but we try to keep going.
"I can't think of a player who has had more support and constant help over the number of years that we have been there for Paul.
"It is quite ironic - it is nice that people like Peter Schmeichel care about him, but they don't appreciate the work we have done for him, a lot of which has to be confidential.
"If anything, I have been criticised at times for keeping faith and trying to keep going with him."
Taylor said the PFA had taken Gascoigne in just a few weeks ago for detoxification, and that the former player had to engage with the people trying to help him.
He told BBC Radio Five: "I think it is fair to say above all I don't want him to be a tragedy so that everybody will say everybody should have done more.
"I would like, whilst he is living and we have still got a chance, for it to be a success story.
"But I do feel that it does need a team of people with one intention, to keep him alive, to get him back on track and to make his life seem worthwhile.
"That is probably the most important job, because somebody out there, including me, has to be able to connect with Paul to make him make that quantum change in his life."
PA
Latest in Sport
Sport blogs
iBet: A tight game between Northampton and Bradford
A tight game could be in prospect here. Northampton have been keeping things very tight of late and ...
by Gareth Purnell
18 May 2013 02:01 AM
On The Road at the Giro d’Italia: Feeling ill and racing in the rain must be pretty grim
I can’t ever watch games of football or rugby without wistfully wondering what it must be like to be...
by Martin Ayres
16 May 2013 05:10 PM
PSG and the French league must be more proactive in dealing with hooliganism
Since PSG’s exit to Barcelona in the Uefa Champions League quarter-final in April, PSG have been sur...
by Matthew Riding
15 May 2013 02:37 PM
- 1 Stoke City investigate 'religious abuse' after 'pig's head is found in Kenwyne Jones' locker'
- 2 Gove’s lesson: spare the comma, spoil the child
- 3 You thought Ryanair's attendants had it bad? Wait 'til you hear about their pilots
- 4 Join Ryanair! See the world! But we'll only pay you for nine months a year
- 5 It’s official: thanks to Stephen Hawking's Israel boycott, anti-Semitism is no more
Get your summer started with British Military Fitness
BMF is the UK’s biggest and best loved outdoor fitness classes
Visit York
Find out what The Independent's resident travel expert has to say about one of the most beautiful small cities in the world
Enter the latest Independent competitions
Win anything from gadgets to five-star holidays on our competitions and offers page.
Business videos from commercial thought leaders
Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.
Day In a Page
The price of pacifism
Jason Isaacs: Groupies, theatre bores and James Bond
Sealand: 'Micronation' or illegal fortress?
Legend of James Hunt has set Hollywood hearts racing
Macklemore: 'I don't have moderation'
Don't be shy: Bill Granger's Sri Lankan recipes
Gordon Ramsay's worst nightmare: A restaurant he cannot save



Comments