Keegan supporting Gazza
Kevin Keegan has promised troubled former Newcastle star Paul Gascoigne that his club will do everything they can to help get his life back on track.
Newcastle manager Keegan has spoken to Gascoigne's family in the wake of his detention under the Mental Health Act to offer assistance in his recovery.
Gascoigne, who was a youth team player at St James' Park during Keegan's swansong with the club in the 1980s, was arrested and sectioned on Thursday after his behaviour became increasingly erratic while he was staying in two Newcastle hotels.
Keegan believes the shocking decline in Gascoigne's health could prove a blessing in disguise if it gets him the help he needs.
"It's sad, but maybe what has happened now will be a turning point for him, and instead of looking on it as something that is really bad, this might be the best thing," Keegan said.
"I have talked with his father and one of his sisters and I know it looks negative, but I think it is a massive positive for Paul Gascoigne from all the information I have had.
"This is a good thing for him and although in the short term, it does not look that way, in the long term, I think it will prove to be really important in the life of Paul Gascoigne."
Meanwhile, Terry Venables, who signed Gascoigne for Tottenham and coached the midfielder during England's Euro 96 campaign, said: "I am really saddened to hear this news about Paul.
"It is no secret he has had troubles in recent years but I also know that he has been fighting hard to do the right things. The whole country will be upset by this news."
Comments