Gordon Taylor pledges continued PFA support a fears grow for Paul Gascoigne
Gordon Taylor says the PFA will continue to offer Paul Gascoigne support in his battle against alcoholism.
Last Updated: 04/02/13 9:27am
The England legend's unsteady appearance at a charity event this week was widely reported in the Sunday newspapers and sparked new fears for his wellbeing.
Gascoigne's agent Terry Baker went as far as publicly pleading with his client to seek help urgently, and Taylor says the PFA will do its bit to help the 45-year-old avoid an early death.
The organisation's chief executive said: "We have tried to support him throughout all his problems with rehabilitation at various clinics, with medical help.
"We are in regular touch with him and have been again. We go one step forward and two back at times and this is just the situation. If we are not careful, it is going to be akin to George Best. It is unfortunate, but we try to keep going."
Taylor defended the PFA against criticism on Twitter from former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, who suggested the union should spend less time "getting great deals on cars" and more caring for the likes of Gascoigne.
"I can't think of a player who has had more support and constant help over a number of years than Paul," Taylor said.
"It is nice that people like Peter Schmeichel care about him, but they don't appreciate the work we have done for him, a lot of which has to be confidential.
"If anything, I have been criticised at times for keeping faith and trying to keep going with him."