Paul Gascoigne Former Newcastle midfielder Paul Gascoigne and non-league Kettering Town have parted company only 39 days after he was unveiled by the Poppies, amid allegations over his drinking. Kettering owner Imraan Ladak: "Following discussions this weekend, it has been decided that Paul Gascoigne is unable to carry out his duties as manager of Kettering Town Football Club. "Unfortunately Paul Gascoigne has been under the influence of alcohol before, during and after several first team games and training sessions. "This has been noticeable to the board of directors, players, coaching staff and sections of the media. A referee and fourth official have also filed a report with the FA. "If you are a recovering alcoholic there is no reason to drink but Paul thinks it is okay. "He feels I should have done more - but I have had conversations with him he can't remember because he was drunk. "I thought football was what he needed, but being a manager has pushed him the other way. "Only Paul can help Paul. No friends or counsellor can do it for him and when he is ready to help himself he will. "This is the most difficult decision I've had to make in my life. I would have loved to have sorted him out but I felt I would have been gambling with the club." Gascoigne: "There is a battle there - the chairman (Ladak) who is a doctor and I am Paul Gascoigne the footballer. "He told me he's been watching football for 20 years five days a week and knows how football should be played. "Well the guy can't trap a bag of cement as far as I'm concerned. I won't walk away. I'll do it my way and I'll keep doing it my way. "He's not the chairman, he's Imraan the doctor. I'm Paul Gascoigne and I take charge of this club. "I'm a multi-millionaire and I'm angry. I've tried to buy him out already. I told him it was the fans and Paul Gascoigne against a doctor - who will win? "I know that the supporters, the players and the staff of Kettering Town are all behind me, not him. "Two years ago I would have given in but not now. I'm a genius and I know what's going on on the football field." "I had a double brandy before one of the games, but it used to be four bottles of whisky a day - it's not now. "I had a glass of wine after one game and told him to stay out of the team
That was before I read the bit about him being pissed at the time! If it's true he needs to sort himself out before football loses another great player to drink
