Monthly Archives: September 2010

Gascoigne given managerial chance at Garforth

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Gascoigne has suffered from much-publicised personal problems in recent years but Garforth owner Simon Clifford says he felt compelled to offer Gascoigne the chance to resurrect his career in football.

“Everyone says they love Paul but nobody does anything about it,” Clifford told the News of the World. “This is not a publicity stunt. When we signed Socrates and Careca, that was.

“I want Paul to be an inspiration to someone who might have depression or problems in their lives. He’s walked through hell but he has kept on walking.”

Gascoigne’s previous spell as a manager saw him last seven games and 39 days as Kettering boss, before owner Imraan Ladak sacked him and claimed he was drinking too much. The former Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio and Rangers midfielder is now looking forward to the new challenge ahead of him.

“I feel strong right now,” Gascoigne said. “For me personally it’s a big challenge. It’s whether the players want to join me in that challenge.

“I never knew when I’d get back into football. I want to take the club forward and I want the players to develop. I will give commitment to the club. Going to a club like this does not bother me one bit. I love this type of football. It is not flash and the players won’t be flash.

“I will get the same publicity at Garforth as if I was at a Premier League club and I don’t want the players to get carried away with it. I am excited. I can’t wait to get in and get started but of course I will be nervous.

“It went really well there

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Rooney and co must accept price of fame

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Wayne Rooney has hit the headlines in recent weeks because of allegations about his private life, and his United form has appeared to suffer, with the striker managing to find the net just once in five games this season, having netted 33 in all competitions in 2009-10.

And having watched Rooney fail to score again in United’s 2-2 draw at Bolton on Sunday, ESPN analyst Kevin Keegan, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career with Liverpool and Hamburg, said that players should be able to deal with media interest in their private lives.

“You can’t have all the contracts, you can’t sell your wedding to magazines and things like this and suddenly say, ‘That’s the tap I want to turn on, but we want to turn the other one off’,” Keegan said on ESPN.

“But it’s just one tap and I know from when I played that, if you are advertising boots and all these things, you have to go and make appearances. You are going to appear in the paper.

“But the one thing I would say is keep your home and your family out of it and just take your endorsements if that’s what you want to do.

“You can’t then turn around and say there’s too much paparazzi around or there is too much publicity. One minute you are courting it, the next minute you’re saying ‘I don’t want this.’

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Wenger laments “unlimited funds” of rivals

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Arsene Wenger believes that inexperience is no excuse for his youthful Arsenal side as the French tactician looks to secure his first trophy in five years.

The Gunners have not tasted domestic success since lifting the FA Cup in 2005 after  a penalty shootout victory over Manchester United. Analysing the reasons behind the drought Wenger highlighted a number of factors including the monetary restraints placed on him by the move from Highbury and the financial muscle accumulated by the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City.

Speaking in the aftermath of Arsenal’s 4-1 Carling Cup victory Tottenham Hotspur, the French tactician told esteemed French publication L’Equipe that he was still proud of the club’s recent achievements.

“People are always saying that we haven’t won anything for five years. This is true, but we have always remained at the highest level, even during difficult periods in the club’s life.

“Arsenal built a new stadium and we have to pay for that, while also building a new team which had reached the end of a cycle.

“What would you say to Manchester City if they did not win any trophies this season after investing £200million?

“To me, the main reason why we have not won anything in five years is the fact we play in the best league in the world against club that have unlimited funds.

“Of course I want to win trophies. Our hopes for the season are always the same – we are fighting for the Premier League title and want to win the Champions League.

“The plan is to continue our improvement with the strength of our team and their youth.

“My players don’t have the excuse of inexperience any more. They are eager for titles. I believe they are capable, but they have to show it.”

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Tottenham Hotspur legend Bobby Smith has died

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Bobby Smith played as a centre forward for Spurs as they won the Double in the 1960-61 season, scoring 33 goals in the First Division and FA Cup that year. Spurs have not won the title since.

He scored in the 2-0 win over Leicester in the FA Cup final that year as well as the 3-1 victory over Burnley in the following year’s final. He was also part of the European Cup Winners’ Cup success of 1963.

Smith died in hospital on Saturday evening following a short illness and a message on Spurs’ official website read: “It is with great regret that we announce the death of Bobby Smith, our legendary centre-forward from our great Double-winning side of 1960-61.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the family of Bobby Smith at this very sad time.”


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