Tottenham pledge to help troubled Paul Gascoigne

The former England midfielder is battling with alcoholism

Tottenham will do everything they can to help Paul Gascoigne overcome his battle with alcoholism, manager Andre Villas-Boas said today.

Gascoigne has been admitted to a treatment centre in the United States after he started drinking again.

The former England and Spurs midfielder is reported to have received financial support from former team-mate Gary Lineker and celebrity friends Chris Evans and Piers Morgan towards the £6,000 a week fees that the clinic charges.

And Tottenham, where Gascoigne spent four of his most successful years, have offered to support the 45-year-old through their trust, which was set up to help former players who fall on hard times.

"The club is helping with the situation through the Tottenham Tribute Trust," Villas-Boas said.

"I think it's extremely sad for a player who represents so much for Tottenham's history.

"Tottenham have made themselves available to help the situation. Hopefully Gazza can recover."

Gascoigne, who played nearly 100 times for the club and lifted the FA Cup in 1991, has suffered from alcoholism for large parts of his life.

He looked in good health when he was guest of honour for Tottenham's game at one of his other former clubs, Lazio, in November, but he was pictured looking worse for wear last weekend at an event in Northampton.

His agent admitted following the publication of the pictures that Gascoigne had started drinking again.

PA