Gazza

I have just come away after listening to an intense inverview with England legend Paul Gascoigne on BBC Five Live. Besides his alcohol problems and domestic abuse, Gazza remains one of the most decorated (and well deserved so) footballers of my generation. My most vivid memory was his goal against Scotland. Over the head of the falling Colin Hendry and volleying past the Scotland keeper Andy Goram. Although I didn't appreciate losing to England, what I did realise was how talented Gazza was as a football player.

However, this stardom and talent flew away into darkness following retirement. The fear of the unknown was what propelled Gazza into the drinking lifestyle. I believe it was a way of disguising the fact that he would never reach the dizzy heights of international football again.

I feel sorry for him and really sympathise with his plight. What I do not condone is calllers like this morning who criticise his past. He has made mistakes like everyone, and is doing his best to look to the future and put his life back on track. The last thing he needs is negative press. He needs all the support to stay away from the alcohol and get back to what he loves best....football. Whether it's coaching or management, I have no doubt that Gazza can implement his knowledge and undoubted skills in to the feet of the youngsters today.

I commend his charity work and his attitude to address to public today in spite of the backlash he had from certain individuals.

I wish him all the best, and hope he continues to fight his battle with alcohol and drugs.

Placement Hunting

The daunting process of searching for a yearlong placement continues. I orginally ruled out moving to London, but this mindset has changed. With the economy in tatters, I have become increasingly aware that the best placements are in London. I have taken a deep breath, and am now prepared to move to the capital.

I have applied for a renowned football club in London, and a top public sector company in which I am waiting for responses. With my name, I am hoping that it will propel me into the sports industry. After all it is a unique selling point.

Despite the ongoing recession, I am being selective about which jobs to apply for. I want to go somewhere in which I see long-term prospects, not just a stop-gap for a year. However, I must realise that I have got to look to a wider audience to ensure I attain a placement year. The last thing I want to do is being forced back to University without gaining the experience of a year in industry.

Staying on top of workloads, attending university as well as finding both short and long term placements is quite a challenge, but I remain determined and focused.

Fingers crossed, will keep you updated!