Only Blackburn of the clubs south of the border can offer that lure
Only Blackburn of the clubs south of the border can offer that lure and it is hard to see them emulating Rangers’ achievement two years ago and reaching the semi-finals.Even so, it is strange that neither they, Manchester United, Liverpool or Newcastle were interested in Gascoigne. He has been outstanding for Rangers, barely missing a game through injury, and has shone for Denmark.There is also the prospect of the European Cup. With the addition of Gascoigne the Scottish Premier will become even more of a procession for Rangers. With due respect, playing the likes of Partick, Raith and Kilmarnock every week is not going to sharpen Gascoigne’s game.Brian Laudrup, Scotland’s player of the year, is said to have answered the question, “Don’t you get fed up with playing rubbish every week?” with the reply, “It is OK, I can face good players when I play for Denmark.”It seems enough for him Laudrup’s form is the best argument for Gascoigne’s move. Even with his ability, he is likely to be crocked – as much by a mistimed tackle as a malicious one.Then there is his form.
Scottish football has lost some of the “hammer-throwing” mentality Graeme Souness referred to, but it is much faster than anything Gascoigne has played in. While it is a southern misconception to regard Glasgow as a city reeling with anti-English drunks, there will always be a minority who fancy having a go at such a high-profile Sassenach.Then there is the need to stay out of danger on the pitch. Pity Strathclyde: no sooner have they got shot of Duncan Ferguson than Gazza arrives in town. Even in London, a much bigger city less obsessed with football, Gazza has had problems. The chance of him avoiding trouble in a Glasgow restaurant, bar, or night-club – is slim indeed.Even if he behaves himself he will be provoked – several “Old Firm” players have been drawn into unsavoury incidents in the past.
While both his retinue of advisers, and the club, keep saying the deal is all but signed, delivery – or, in Lazio’s case, deliverance – is not yet sealed.
For various contractual reasons it appears Gazza will not be trading pasta for porridge until 30 June Time enough to reconsider the move. Is it a good one – and who for?There are three areas of concern about Gascoigne going to Glasgow – his form, his fitness, and his inability to stay out of trouble. So is Pete, more likely than on any other surface.”Muster, perhaps weighing his own prospects along with those of Agassi and Sampras, warns of the perils of obsession. “So many top players have been running after the French title or the Wimbledon title or the US Open title and have never made it,” he said “The first week is going to show a lot.”. We have not yet been treated to the mind-boggling sight of “McGazza” wearing a kilt (do not even think about asking him if he wears anything underneath) but that will surely come – assuming Paul Gascoigne’s transfer to Rangers goes ahead. That remains a large assumption, as nothing Gascoigne does is predictable, on or off the field.
