Gazza's 39 days as boss recalled by former sports editor
Former Chronicle & Echo sports editor Steve Pitts will be in Northampton next month to sign copies of his book revealing the dramatic story behind soccer legend Paul Gascoigne's only job as a football manager.
Steve, whose book reveals for the first time the experiences of many people at Kettering Town during Gazza's 39 days as manager of the club, will be at Waterstone's in Abington Street between 12.30pm and 2pm on Friday, October 2.
The book covers the excitement generated by the appointment of the England World Cup and European Championship hero through to his controversial sacking by the non-League club in the autumn of 2005.
Among the revelations are:
The way in which Poppies players became increasingly concerned over training, selections and tactics after being told they had to start playing like the French World Cup winners of 1998
How Gazza struggled to cope with match situations and the effects his alcoholism had on everyone at the club
How a key player was told in an answer machine message not to turn up at the club again
How he stunned two visiting managers by wandering into their dressing room showers fully clothed
How the death of George Best sparked the beginning of the end of Gascoigne's reign.
Steve said: "For a lot of people who crossed his path it was a life-changing experience. People's livelihood and careers were dramatically altered by that short spell, often for years to follow.
"I've tried very hard to present the story in a balanced way, but there is no doubt it was a very trying and very destructive time for a lot of people who had been incredibly excited when they heard he was coming to the club. I very much hope that people will come along and meet me at the book signings."
39 Days of Gazza is published by Pennant Books. To read more about Gascoigne's time at Kettering Town, log on to the website www.39DaysOfGazza.com.
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