By Andrew Brown, Stand Up For Southport. Photos by Kevin Brown Photography
England legend Paul Gascoigne was given a standing ovation as he starred at a special Evening With Gazza at The Grand in Southport.
The stylish Princess Grace Suite at the Lord Street venue was packed as the 56-year-old shared his life stories from a career playing for teams including Spurs, Newcastle, Lazio, Rangers and Everton.
He spoke about some of the highlights of his life on football, such as driving England to the World Cup semi final at Italia 1990; scoring his famous goal against Scotland on the way to the Euro 1996 semi final; scoring a hat-trick to win a league title for Rangers; signing for Lazio in a multi-million pound deal.
Paul Gascoigne was the guest of honour at An Evening With Gazza at the Grand in Southport. Paul Gascoigne (right) pictured with Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Chairman Andrew Mikhail. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
He also revealed how close he came to signing for Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United in 1988 and why he chose Spurs instead.
Former England manager Sir Bobby Robson once famously called Gazza “daft as a brush” and the footballer spoke about some of his more colourful escapades, such as getting away with drinking Piña Coladas after bumping into his manager while on World Cup duty, crashing the brand new team bus at Middlesbrough – and borrowing an ostrich from the local zoo before taking it into training at Spurs.
Paul Gascoigne took to the stage twice on the night, speaking with honesty and humour as he looked back on a truly unique career.
Paul Gascoigne was the guest of honour at An Evening With Gazza at the Grand in Southport. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
Visitors ate a delicious three-course dinner in between and then enjoyed special performances from talented entertainers Katie George and Jack Bennett, adding an extra touch of variety to the event.
A range of eye-catching sporting memorabilia was auctioned to raise an impressive £4,000 for ICUsteps, the intensive care patient support charity.
Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group Chairman Andrew Mikhail said:
“An Evening With Gazza was a great event!
“It was packed out, and we had great feedback from people who enjoyed the night.
“I’d like to thank everyone who helped us to raise £4,000 for the ICU Steps charity too.
Paul Gascoigne was the guest of honour at An Evening With Gazza at the Grand in Southport. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
“We have more great events coming to The Grand soon, including An Evening With Frank Bruno MBE this November.
“It is fantastic to be able to bring some of the UK’s most iconic sporting heroes here to Southport for people to enjoy.
“They are such interesting characters with incredible life stories.
Paul Gascoigne was the guest of honour at An Evening With Gazza at the Grand in Southport. He is pictured with Martin and Karen Blondel. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
“Paul Gascoigne was in top form.
“One of the things I really enjoyed about listening to Gazza was when he said his Dad always encouraged him to sign every autograph he was asked for by supporters or to pose for every selfie he could.
“He said it’s important for people in sport to appreciate the fans who make them what they are.
Paul Gascoigne was the guest of honour at An Evening With Gazza at the Grand in Southport. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
“Gazza said he was very moved to see so many people at The Grand to hear him speak about his life and it was very humbling to see that.
“It was fascinating to hear all the stories about his incredible career, with England, with Lazio, with Rangers, with Tottenham, and how he’s faced the challenges he’s had in life too.”
One of the greatest English players of all time, Paul Gascoigne scored 10 goals in 57 England appearances.
Paul Gascoigne was the guest of honour at An Evening With Gazza at the Grand in Southport. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
There are more top quality events taking place at the Grand in Southport over the next few weeks, including An Evening With Frank Bruno MBE, the Rocky Horror Picture Show, a Disco Bingo night, along with a packed programme of Christmas events.
- An Evening With Frank Bruno MBE takes place at The Grand in Southport on Saturday 11th November 2023. For tickets and more details visit: thegrand.co.uk
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