Paul Gascoigne has denied claims from Kettering owner Imraan Ladak that his position as manager was made untenable because he had begun drinking again.
Gascoigne, 38, was sacked on Monday but said he was actually axed because he would not run the team as Ladak wanted.

"I had a double brandy before one of the games, but it used to be four bottles of whiskey a day - it's not now," Gascoigne told Sky Sports News.

"I had a glass of wine after one game and told him to stay out of the team."

Ladak says he had no choice but to sack Gascoigne as manager because the former England star was "under the influence of alcohol" in the post.

Ladak told BBC Radio Five Live: "If you are a recovering alcoholic there is no reason to drink but Paul thinks it is okay.

"He feels I should have done more - but I have had conversations with him he can't remember because he was drunk."

Ladak believes the 38-year-old needs to get help before he considers returning to the game.

"I thought football was what he needed, but being a manager has pushed him the other way," added Ladak.

"Only Paul can help Paul. No friends or counsellor can do it for him and when he is ready to help himself he will.

"This is the most difficult decision I've had to make in my life. I would have loved to have sorted him out but I felt I would have been gambling with the club."

Gascoigne now says he wants to buy out Ladak's stake in the Poppies and move the club forward, despite Kevin Wilson's re-appointment as manager.

"He's not the chairman, he's Imraan the doctor," added Gascoigne. "I'm Paul Gascoigne and I take charge of this club.

"I'm a multi-millionnaire and I'm angry. I've tried to buy him out already. I told him it was the fans and Paul Gascoigne against a doctor - who will win?

"I know that the supporters, the players and the staff of Kettering Town are all behind me, not him.

"Two years ago I would have given in but not now. I'm a genius and I know what's going on on the football field."

from bbc.co.uk