It is almost impossible to know where to start with this man but, like Waddle, "Gazza" is better known for time away from his native Tyneside. Most people, football fans or not, will be familiar with him, for exploits on, and unfortunately off, the pitch. He burst on the national scene at Italia '90 when he inspired Sir Bobby Robson's England to the semi finals before famously crying at getting a booking in the last four encounter against Germany, a yellow card that would have seen him miss the final, before penalty shootout heartbreak sent England home (Obviously!) That moment has gone down in history and shows the extremely talented midfielder up for exactly what he is, whole hearted and passionate about football. However, to those in the North East, he was very well known years before that night in Turin. As a child Gascoigne, like most young Geordies, dreamed of turning out for Newcastle United. His career at St James' Park really took off after Chris Waddle's departure to the club Gascoigne would later join, Tottenhamp Hotspur. He became the creative, driving force for his boyhood club in the late 1980's, but fortunes weren't great for the club at that time and the race hotted up for Gazza's signature. Despite Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United believing that the flamboyant midfielder was theirs, Gazza signed for Tottenham in in 1988 for £2m. After winning the FA Cup in 1991 with Spurs he jetted off to Serie A with Lazio a year later. His career would then take him to the likes of Rangers, Middlesbrough, Burnley and finally Boston United. Gazza is arguably the most universally liked footballer in English football history, his talent and passion was matched by a personality that endeared him to many, making him the team joker wherever he went. It was after his football career ended that things began to go wrong as he struggled to come to terms to life out of the game. He turned to alcohol, his health deteriorated and the headlines kept coming. As life goes on, Gazza is recovering with the love and support of everyone everywhere, especially in his native Newcastle.
Budding football journalist, European football fan and Newcastle United season ticket holder. I have contributed to FourFourTwo.com and The Evening Chronicle.
