Gazza hosts Boston tea party

Former England international Paul Gascoigne, who once graced the World Cup, the Premiership and Italy's Seria A, has joined lowly English side Boston as player-coach.

Former England international Paul Gascoigne, who once graced the World Cup, the Premiership and Italy's Seria A, has joined lowly English side Boston as player-coach.

"I'm really really happy, more than happy," Gascoigne told Sky Sports News after putting pen to paper on the deal with the League Two team.

"I want to get started again I can't wait to get my shape back and get on with things.

"We want this club to go further and it's really exciting for me. I've met the players and they're a good set of lads."

Gascoigne, whose career and private life have lurched from one crisis to another in recent years, last played in the English league with Burnley in 2002 wher he spent just two months.

Since then, moves to DC United in the USA, Exeter City and Queen of the South all fell through before he headed to China with second division side Gansu Tianma where he made just four appearances.

"I want to do something with this club. That's my main priority to do this over the next few years and do it with Boston," said the midfielder popularly known as Gazza.

"They have given me a platform and given me the opportunity. I've got a club and I've got a lift and a buzz and something to look forward to."

Gascoigne began his career with hometown club Newcastle back in 1984 as a trainee.

In four years with the Magpies he made 83 League starts, scoring 21 goals before making the move to Tottenham.

In 1992, he made a 5.5 million-pound move to Serie A side Lazio where he made 41 League starts, scoring only six goals before switching back to Britain to join Scottish Premier League outfit Rangers.

He made 74 League appearances for Rangers and netted 30 goals before joining Middlesbrough in 1998.

In 2000 Gascoigne made the switch to Premiership side Everton where he spent two years before joining Burnley for two months.

His international career saw him capped 57 times and score 10 goals. He retired from international football in 1998 after then England manager Glenn Hoddle left him out of the World Cup squad.