Gazza quits Kettering

Former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne has parted company with minor league club Kettering Town only 39 days after being named the club's manager.

In a statement on Kettering's website yesterday, owner Imraan Ladak said: "Following discussions last weekend, it has been decided that Paul Gascoigne is unable to carry out his duties as manager of Kettering Town FC."

Gascoigne took up his first job in football management on October 27.

Kettering play in the Conference North League, two divisions below the Football League. They lost 3-1 at home to Barrow on Saturday but lie sixth in the table. Under Gascoigne they won two matches, drew two and lost two.

The 38-year-old former Newcastle, Tottenham and Lazio player won 57 England caps but in recent years found himself increasingly on the front pages of newspapers for his drinking exploits and private life.

Gazza was part of the consortium headed by Ladak which took over Kettering and said he had invested some of his personal wealth in the club.

Ladak did not elaborate on the reasons for Gascoigne's departure, saying: "With Paul's status within the football world, it is impossible to expect anything but intense speculation surrounding his departure.

"However the priority for Kettering Town is the stability of the team and so my immediate priority is to appoint a new manager, rather than discuss the reasons for Paul's departure."