Gazza considering his future

Paul Gascoigne’s football future was thrown into doubt again today when the troubled former England international called time on his training arrangement with Wolves.

Gascoigne told Molineux boss Dave Jones this morning that he felt he could not regain Premiership form and he has returned to the north-east to consider his options.

The 36-year-old was invited to train with Wolves six weeks ago as he sought to regain full fitness ahead of a possible last crack at a return to the English top-flight.

Gascoigne – who has not played in this country since terminating a short spell Burnley in July 2002 – appeared in a number of reserve games but was hampered by a groin injury.

Jones said he parted amicably with the star and would be willing to help him with a similar arrangement in the future.

He said: “Gazza has decided that he will not reach Premiership level at the moment and he has gone away to think about his future.

“He is fit and he has been a pleasure to deal with since he has been here.

“But he feels that he will not quite cut it at the moment. It was entirely his decision and I respect his honesty.”

Jones had never intimated that he planned to offer Gascoigne a contract if all had gone well.

But he said he believed there would be no shortage of takers if the player did decide to try to extend his colourful career either at a lower level or abroad.

Jones added: “Gazza has been fantastic to have around the place and I am sure some other clubs will make him an offer.

“He has crammed so much into such a short space of time and he has been no trouble at all. Now I am sure he will do what is best for him.”

Coincidentally Gascoigne’s news came as Jones was preparing the his squad for tomorrow’s crucial Molineux clash with the former England midfielder’s first club, Newcastle.

The Wolves boss admitted his players let themselves down in last weekend’s dismal defeat at Everton which plunged them back into the bottom three.

But although Jones is waiting impatiently for the January transfer window to open he insists he is proud of the effort his current squad are putting in.

Jones said: “It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out that we need to be at full-tilt to get anything this season.

“Only one or two players attained that level last weekend but doing it week in, week out is virtually impossible.

“But it is getting tight down there now so if we hang in there a couple of wins can propel you right up the table.”

Jones has no new injury concerns with Mark Kennedy and Alex Rae recovered from shoulder and calf injuries respectively.

Steffen Iversen hopes to figure up front again after a thigh strain but Colin Cameron is still sidelined with his nagging stomach muscle concern.

And Jones admitted the early kick-off was a bonus after Newcastle’s tiring trip back from UEFA Cup action abroad on Thursday night.

He added: “It does seem strange that the time has been changed under the circumstances but I’m certainly not complaining.

“But you just have to look at the squad they’ve got to know that they are a force in this division and they will make it tough.”