We all know the football player who won fifty-seven caps for England and played in the Premiership up to the age of thirty-five. The rest of our knowledge has probably been gleaned from the tabloids and television interviews and documentaries. Gazza has already written a book about his life and career, this goes behind that with therapy sessions with his personal counsellor, John McKeown recorded. We learn that he suffers with OCD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, mood swings, bipolar disorder and alcoholism.

The book is hard to read at times as you realise what Gascoigne has been battling against most of his life. It is amazing that he achieved so much as a footballer really. At a young age he witnessed the death of a close friends brother in an accident he felt responsible for. This incident acted as a ‘trigger’ to his many problems. Also he felt an unnatural responsibility at an early age to take care of his family. He has therefore been a ‘people pleaser’ for a long time. This has manifested itself on and off the pitch and accounts for his personality. But these highs are followed by terrible lows and he often hits the self- destruct button.

The book is so candid and Gascoigne is very brave to open up so much about himself and he does so in his own frank way. Its like he is talking to you rather than a ghost written account. He talks about life after his football career ended and how it opened a massive void for him; once his career ended he was lost and prone to all the disorders that already affected him. He describes his ill-fated and brief tenure as Manager at Kettering Town, his arrest and night in the cells after a fracas with a reporter and his time at Cottonwood Clinic in Arizona.

The year covered is a particularly traumatic one with Gascoigne suffering from a severe bout of pneumonia at one point as well. He admits to practically living out of a suitcase for the last five years and has not been in a proper relationship during that time either. He is prone to talking to strangers on trains and finds he can open up to them. He clearly cares for his family and friends but at a cost to himself. The therapy sessions address these issues and we see McKeown draw up an action plan and course of counselling and therapy that can enable Gascoigne to address his many problems and addictive personality. The book avoids becoming self-pitying despite the strong subject matter and there are plenty of flashes of Gazza’s humour. There are lots of amusing anecdotes interspersed with the serious matter of his problems.

The book contains observations about the state of football today, his relationship with his friends, family, ex-wife Sheryl and his hopes and aspirations for his relationship with his son Regan. It makes the point that there is no ‘happy ever after’ scenario. Gascoigne’s life will continue to be a constant battle, building a life away from his addictions and coping with his disorders. The book is a fascinating insight into a troubled personality and offers help and support to anyone who may suffer from any of the problems explored. The end section of the book has appendices explaining the various disorders, what they are and how to treat them. There are also some useful contacts as well.

This is a bold and very personal book from the former football star. Painfully candid but rewarding at the same time, it will not only help us understand the man better but will also perhaps help many others who suffer from many of the issues the book explores. Don’t be put off by the strong subject matter; this is an instructive, insightful and inspiring account and guide.