QPR boss bids to help troubled Paul Gascoigne

Harry Redknapp has offered an open invitation to Paul Gascoigne to help out with coaching his young players at QPR as he voiced concern for the former England midfielder’s health.

The 47-year-old has a long history of problems with alcohol, and is said to have been taken away by emergency services from his home in Dorset on Thursday.

Pictures published yesterday showed Gascoigne looking frail and gaunt, almost unrecognisable from his days turning out for the likes of Tottenham and Newcastle.

Since relocating to the south coast, Gascoigne now lives close to Redknapp, who revealed he would jump at the chance to give him a way back into the game.

“He is a great lad and it is just sad to see how he is looking at the moment,” Redknapp said.

“I saw him about a month ago and I said, ‘I will pick you up in the mornings Gazza, come training with me. Do a little bit of work with the kids.’

“I would love it if he would do that, if he wants to do it I would pick him up every morning at 5.45am at the end of his road and bring him in.

“He could go and do some coaching with the kids, I would love it if he would do that, that is an open invitation to him.”

Twitter users sent messages of sympathy and support to his daughter Bianca, which she retweeted and wrote in response: “Thank you for your kind words.”

Thank you for your kind words 💗

— B (@BiancaGascoigne) August 21, 2014

Redknapp believes that Gascoigne needs to make an attempt to look after himself.

“I see Gazza around and I love Gazza, he has a heart of gold,” added Redknapp. “He has probably given his last penny away but that is just how he is. Everyone has tried to help him but the only person who can help him now is himself — everyone has tried.”