Gazza: the talented fool

What a sad site it is to see Paul Gascoigne reduced to a babbling wreck, unable to remember if he played for Burnley or Barnsley.
Like most people, I remember the pictures of Italia 90’ and his famous tear-jerking moment which won him a special place in the hearts of those who appreciated the talent he had for the beautiful game. I remember and still have the picture of him in a Newcastle shirt having his “balls” squeezed by Vinnie Jones, an iconic picture indeed.

For all of Gazza’s exploits on the pitch, he found himself on the front pages for his off the field antics. At the height of his playing days, which were early on his career sadly, Gazza had his army of mates who milked him for all he had. They were a bad influence on him and sadly like most misguided people who lose it when they believe their own hype; he could not cut back from them or the excesses. I make these comments not through any informed personal contact with the man. My view of who Gazza was and what he got up to are almost completely from what I read from his regular exploits in the tabloids. Given his current situation, they were spot on.

I did however meet Gazza on one occasion for about 5-10 minutes a couples of years ago in Kettering when he took on the mantle at Rockingham Road as manager of Kettering Town Football Club. Whilst his situation was not as it is now, talking to him felt like he was a kid trapped in a grown mans body. That is not far from the truth, given that those who know him better have also said that Gazza never really grew up. He always felt as though he would be a superstar footballer for ever, idolised till he died and get away with abusing himself by the company he kept and the excesses he enjoyed.

During our brief chat, Gazza made little sense. He was babbling, his thought and inability to put a sentence together was all too evident. He strayed from talking about football to subjects which he knew nothing about.

Now I am not knocking a man when he’s down, I am merely pointing to those who still have time to ensure they don’t end up like Gazza. These are invaluable lessons which we must heed otherwise the numbers joining the likes of Gazza on the unnecessary self-destruction list will continue to grow.