Club interest in Gazza revealed

Boston manager Steve Evans has revealed at least two clubs want to recruit Paul Gascoigne following his departure from York Street.

The former England international left the Coca-Cola League Two outfit yesterday after spending two months as player-coach with the Pilgrims.

Gascoigne will now embark on an FA coaching course with the view to becoming a manager, which probably means the end of his playing career at the age of 37.

Evans tips the former Tottenham star to have a successful career as a boss.

“All it takes is a courageous chairman who is going to give him a chance,” said Evans. “I know already there are two or three clubs desperately keen on him.”

“I’m disappointed but privileged to have had the opportunity to work with one of the true legends of the British game.

“But ever since Paul came into the club he’s done nothing but talk about getting into the coaching side of things and he just feels now is the time to move on and head down that direction.”

Gascoigne will now link up with England coach Sammy Lee at Lilleshall next week as he looks to gain the necessary qualifications to gain a foothold into management.

He will also be given the opportunity of travelling the country to work with several top-class managers in the game.

Although Gascoigne looked a shadow of his former self playing for Boston – he made just three starts for the club – Evans insisted he did more than enough to justify his faith in bringing him to the club in the summer.

He added: “Every day was a bonus to work with a man of his stature and although people might say he didn’t do it on the pitch, in the short time he’s been here, I’ve witnessed him do things with the football I’ve seen no other player able to do.

“We’re leaving on the best possible terms and he will always be welcome back at Boston and my house – which is an offer I don’t give to many people.”

Gascoigne may not have recognised qualifications in management, but Evans believes Southampton head coach Steve Wigley should serve as inspiration to the former Rangers playmaker.

Wigley has been been granted special dispensation to manage in the Premier League despite him not holding the UEFA Pro Diploma, which is generally required by all managers and coaches in the top flight.

Evans has tipped Gascoigne for a similar role in years to come and believes he has the potential to work with the biggest names in the game without fear of failure.

“With the greatest of respect to Steve [Wigley], Paul has achieved much more in the game and he can take a lot from what they’ve done in management,” Evans said.

“I’ve absolutely no concerns that Paul will be able to cut it at the very best level of management. I’ve seen the way he acts and coaches and seen the way he handles himself on the phone to the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson – which is with the utmost professionalism.”