ONE of English football’s greatest ever talents, Paul Gascoigne, is set to swing into Barrow this winter to discuss his high-profile battles both on and off the field.

‘An audience with Paul Gascoigne’ is booked to take place at The Forum on Saturday, November 7, when fans will get to hear about the Geordie’s colourful life from the man himself.

It is hoped tickets for the event – a standard one will cost £30 – could go on sale over the next fortnight for an event that is sure to generate plenty of interest.

‘Gazza’, as he is affectionately known, is a hero to many for his exploits for England – who can forget his dazzling performances and tears at Italia ‘90?

Plenty of ups and down followed, but Gascoigne showed his worth to the Three Lions again on home soil at Euro 96, with his outstanding goal against Scotland and subsequent “dentist’s chair” celebration once again endearing him to a whole nation.

While serious injury curbed his progress on the pitch, his long-running battle with the booze off it is well documented. Needless to say there will be plenty to discuss when Gazza takes to the Forum stage.

Gascoigne has been brought to The Forum by Sports Media Promotions, but local event organiser Davy Trengove – who has already helped to bring such big sporting names as Ricky Hatton to Furness – is at the forefront of arranging the evening.

Trengove, who lives in Barrow and works at Sellafield, said: “I’m very pleased that Paul is coming to Barrow, there’s been great interest already.

“As soon as I put it on Twitter, it just went wild.

“Gazza has obviously had his ups and downs so he’s got a story behind him.

“He’s been at the top as an international but then there is his personal life as well, so people will actually here about it from him rather than the press.

“Most people call him cheeky, he’s got that kind of personality.”

On the club front, Gascoigne also showcased his huge talents at the likes of Tottenham, Lazio, Rangers and Everton.

Trengove added: “Gazza was as naturally gifted as anyone, he basically had the world at his feet.

“His personal life has affected some of his career and we’ll hear about that.

“If he was managed better or didn’t have an addictive personality, he could have been one of the greatest of all time when you consider his natural ability and the things he did for England like at Euro 96 and at the World Cup in Ital in 1990.”

Audience members who buy a £65 VIP ticket will receive front-row seating, a professional picture and a ‘meet and greet’ with Gazza and a golden ticket entry into a competition, which offers the prize of a signed Gascoigne framed England shirt.