ALLY: I FEAR GAZZA WON’T BEAT BOOZE
McCoist worry over ex-Ibrox friend after new alcohol setback
ALLY McCoist has revealed he fears for ex-Rangers team-mate Paul Gascoigne as he continues to battle alcohol addiction.
The Ibrox legend showed his support for Gazza after the former England midfielder revealed he is attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings again and is effectively homeless.
In a podcast interview, Gascoigne said he is sleeping in the spare bedroom of his agent Katie Davies.
McCoist, 61, became good friends with Gascoigne during the Englishman’s three-year spell at Rangers in the 90s.
The football pundit told how he worries that his pal will never fully win his battle with the bottle.
He said: “The minute he stopped playing and stopped training that became a big problem for him.
“Sadly, we are not surprised when we pick up the paper and we see something because we know he’s got a problem.
“I think one of the things we worry about is we are aware of the problem but we don’t ever think the problem is totally going to go away for Paul.”
McCoist said the 56-year-old former Tottenham and Newcastle star was one of the most dedicated professionals he has come across and would often train on his days off.
Speaking on Talksport, he added: “Everybody sees the talent and the funny side of him but I don’t think I’ve met or played with a harder working trainer.”
Speaking on the High Performance podcast, Gazza said he has “bad days” when he turns to alcohol.
He said: “I used to be a happy drunk, I ain’t anymore. I’m a sad drunk. I don’t go out and drink, I drink indoors.”
Gascoigne signed for Rangers in 1995 and quickly became a fans’ favourite as he helped them win a record-equalling nine in a row league titles.