Gascoigne offered support

Gascoigne: Troubled

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A number of Paul Gascoigne's former colleagues and opponents have offered their support to the troubled star.

The ex-England midfielder was sectioned under the Mental Health Act following a series of incidents at a hotel in Gateshead this week, but many of those in the game who know him believe he can come through his problems.

Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan has been in contact with the player's family and is willing to offer help in whatever way he can.

"He was my boot boy when I was a player here and not a very good boot boy at that," he said on Sky Sports News. "He lost my boots.

"We as a club will do everything we can to help. His family know that - we've talked to them - and we can help a lot.

"It's sad, but maybe what's happened now will be a turning point for him. Instead of looking at as something really bad, this might be the best thing.

"I have talked to his dad and one of his sisters and I know it looks negative but I think it's a massive positive for Paul Gascoigne from all the information I've had."

'Loved by everybody'

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate played with Gascoigne in the England side that reached the semi-finals of Euro 96, and he remains optimistic about the situation.

"It is obviously a very sad situation, but I am sure he will come through it," he said.

"He was loved by everybody because he put everybody else first.

"He would do anything for anybody and, hopefully, people will do the same for him now because he obviously needs that help."

Wigan manager Steve Bruce, who has struck up a friendship with Gascoigne, said: "Like everyone else, I am obviously saddened and shocked.

"We all hope where he is now, he is in the best hands and we hope he can come through this major obstacle.

"He has come through before but he will need the support of everyone around him and let's hope he is okay."

Gascoigne was part of the Everton squad when David Moyes took over at the club, and Moyes says he has always been a popular figure at the club.

"He is a good man, a good person and was always willing to help others. Everyone at this club will tell you that," he said.

"When I have been around him he has proved to be a real gent. We all here hope he gets the help he needs."

'Massive gap'

Roy Keane played against Gascoigne as part of the Nottingham Forest team beaten by Tottenham in the 1991 FA Cup final, and he believes the troubled star has found it difficult since retiring from football.

"We all send our best to Paul," he said. "It's obviously sad, but we pray from everyone from Sunderland that he pulls through okay because no-one likes to see that.

"That is a problem, particularly with a lot of footballers when you stop playing - there is a massive gap in your life.

"We all pray that Paul finds a bit of peace and serenity because he deserves it."