At a time when English football fans can only look on with envy at the types of players the rest of the world seem to be able to produce, I decided to pick up a copy of Gazza: My Story and wonder what just might have been.

The result was far more frustrating than enjoyable as I found myself shaking my head like a disappointed father more times than laughing at the ridiculous situations Gazza got himself into during a playing career which was wrecked by injury and self destruction.

Paul Gascoigne was the most naturally gifted British player since George Best, and he captured our hearts at Itlalia '90 with his skillful displays and of course those semi-final tears. And despite flashes of brilliance over the next decade or so, Gazza would become more famous for his front page headlines rather than those on the sports pages...

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As a massive football fan this book depressed me. Gazza was the finest English footballer in the last 30 years and to read how he wasted his talent with his antics and alcohol really got me down. All credit to Hunter Davies, a superb sports writer, for getting Gazza to 'tell all'. I just know however that one day in the next few years I will wake up to the news that Gazza is dead. His whole life has been one big roller coaster and although one could say he has brought a lot of his problems on himself, he seems to have surrounded himself with people who have bled him dry of money and emotions. ( )

An excellent journey into one of the most complicated areas on the planet, the mind of Paul Gascoigne. I like many other fans were delighted by his ability and flair and dedication to the cause of whatever team he was with at the time, coupled with his off pitch antics. A charachter sadly lacking in the modern game. pilloried for just about every mistake he's ever made, this book is probably a more accurate reflection on the enigma, with a thourily amusing section of did I didnt I actually do it at the end of the book. Great stuff. ( )