da betcris： Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne’s last mention in the national papers came when he attempted to bring a chicken and a can of lager to Raoul Moat. He made headlines in the past week, however, for footballing reasons. Garforth Town AFC, located on the outskirts of Leeds, have appointed the talented but tragic figure as their new manager. The club who reside in the Evo-Stik League First Division North have insisted that the decision does not constitute a publicity stunt. The club which was initially known as the Miners Arms has been graced by notorious names in the past. Their 2004/05 season saw Lee Sharpe and former Brazilian international Socrates don the yellow and blue strip of the West Yorkshire team. But is this latest coup merely a stunt or a genuine attempt to resurrect the career of an ailing legend?
da leao： The former mining town has attracted the spotlight before under the ownership of Simon Clifford. The north east native assumed control of the indebted club in 2003 and shortly after he became the manager too. Clifford led Garforth Town to two promotions, taking them to tier four of the National League System. He is an intriguing individual, having previously been a primary school teacher and a keen advocate of Futbol de Salao. This is a scaled down version of the game, played by youngsters in Brazil, with a heavy ball which places importance on touch and control. He runs Brazilian style soccer schools which have spread across the world. Micah Richards and John Bostock are notable graduates of his Brazilian influenced system. But with a rigid football philosophy and a winning touch as an owner/manager why appoint Gazza?
The man who is determined to see the club climb the football pyramid has suggested the decision is about helping the troubled star. “Everybody says they love Paul but nobody does anything about it. This is not a publicity stunt. When we signed Socrates and Careca, that was.” Clifford believes Gascoigne can reignite his managerial career, inspire others who have suffered with depression and buoy up the dressing room. His previous experience in management ended disastrously, lasting just seven games and 39 days at Kettering Town. He was relieved of his duties for reportedly drinking too much but Gascoigne insists that the owner, Imraan Ladak had interfered with team selection.
Clifford’s apparent desire not to court the media has been tempered by the former Tottenham player’s comments. “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.” Garforth’s former manager Steve Nichol had only been appointed this summer after Clifford decided to focus on business matters. The provincial Yorkshire club, who are seven divisions below the PL, must be in a state of flux and Gascoigne’s first match in charge could come as soon as the home game against Warrington next Tuesday. Their new manager is said to be feeling strong and excited about this new challenge. Local and national media will be primed and ready to see if Gazza can last longer in the dugout than Socrates and Careca did on the pitch. Both played just one match each for Garforth Town.
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