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Banned
Paul Gascoigne given managerial chance at Garforth - England - ESPN Soccernet
Former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne has been appointed the new manger of non-league club Garforth Town.
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 [at Kettering]. The chairman tried to blame it on the drink but it was totally untrue. He stopped me coaching and he wanted to become manager."