Children’s surprise as legend drops in for kick about

FOOTBALL legend Paul Gascoigne showed he is putting his personal problems behind him when he turned unannounced up at a children’s coaching session.

Gazza put youngsters through their paces during an impromptu kick about in Kirkby Fleetham, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

Coach Jeff Horner said some of his young charges did not recognise Gascoigne and had to be given a quick football history lesson.

Mr Horner, 46, has been coaching youngsters for the past eight years.

He said: “Gazza just turned up during our session on the village green, introduced himself and said, ‘fancy a kick about, then?’ “The kids are about ten and 11, so a few did not recognise him. He was really nice with them, really relaxed.”

It is thought that the former Newcastle and Middlesbrough midfielder was in the area after a fishing trip in nearby Scruton.

He spent more than halfan- hour with the youngsters, from Kirkby Fleetham Junior School, taking the time to show them a trick or two.

Mr Horner said: “The children were thrilled to bits when Paul started signing autographs and things for them.

“It was not premeditated, it was totally unexpected.

His passion for football was still clear to see.

“He gets so much negative publicity and the children really took to him.

“They definitely knew him by the end of the session.”

Gateshead-born Gascoigne has reportedly battled drug and alcohol issues, as well as psychological problems, in recent years.

But Mr Horner said the 42- year-old, who won 57 caps for England, showed no sign of being troubled.

He said: “He seemed fine, he was very chatty.

“He was so concerned about helping them become better players.

“Maybe coaching youngsters is something he could look to do in the future.

“The children asked him who was the best player he played alongside, and he said Bryan Robson.”

In May, Gascoigne was one of many North-East footballing celebrities to take part in an all-star match match in aid of cashstrapped Darlington Football Club.

Next month, he is due to take part in a charity rematch of the 1990 World Cup semi-final, in which he famously burst into tears after receiving a yellow card that would have seen him suspended for the final.

The match, at St James’ Park, in Newcastle, on Sunday, July 26, is being staged in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.