GAZZA’S TIP FOR PAPER
PAUL Gascoigne once tipped a Celtic- supporting Glasgow Times paperboy more than £ 100 for a copy, it has been revealed. The Rangers star’s generosity was unveiled by his former teammate Stuart McCall in the latest edition of the podcast One Last Match.
McCall, who played with the Ibrox side in the early 90s and managed the club for a spell, said: “We had a lad come in, we were in the pub, a young boy came in selling newspapers. I think it was 20p – the Glasgow Times.”
Now manager of Bradford City, McCall told how Gazza organised a whip round for the young lad, even after he had “given him stick” for being a Rangers player.
He added: “Gazza got a tenner from each player, I think there were about 12 of us, £ 120. Gave £ 120 for the paper to the boy. Unfortunately later on in the afternoon we found out he was a Celtic supporter.
“The little boy had come in and gave Gazza some stick.”
McCall spoke more on the podcast, hosted by Sky Sports’ Mark Benstead, in which retired footballing legends chat about their favourite memories and tell what their fantasy last ever match would look like.
On Gazza’s “demons”, Stuart was frank.
He said: “But generosity – he’d give you anything he had got. With a genius like he was, on the football park, you do get things away from that. Obviously he had his demons and unfortunately still does. But as a guy, when his head was on, really good… a really good, conscientious guy when his head was on.”
Gascoigne played for the Light Blues during their period of
domination in Scottish football. Despite his footballing brilliance, Gazza is dogged by personal problems, including a long- standing alcohol addiction.
The Geordie midfielder is recognised as one of the best players of his generation and was part of the England team which reached fourth place in the 1990 World Cup.
Known for his over- the- top celebrations, Gazza once got teammates to squirt water into his mouth as he lay on his back after a goal against Scotland at Euro ‘ 96 – better known as “the dentist’s chair”.
WOULD you like to become a paperboy or girl and earn your own cash? We can’t promise you’ll be tipped big by an Old Firm star, but the Glasgow Times is looking for children over the age of 13 to start their own rounds. Even more generous than Gazza, if you sign up 10 customers, we’ll gift you £ 200 as a bonus, if they all stay on for eight weeks.
If you’re interested, please contact Graham Kerr on 0141 302 7302 or email home. delivery@ heraldandtimes. co. uk
Are you the Hoops- supporting paperboy who got tipped by Gazza? Get in touch via hamish. morrison@ newsquest. co. uk