Paul Gascoigne is undoubtedly one of the finest talents ever produced in English football.
Born in Gateshead, Gascoigne started out at Newcastle United on schoolboy terms, before turning professional in 1984.
He spent three years at the club, before joining Tottenham Hotspur, with whom he won an FA Cup and had some of his most successful days as a player.
Spells with Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Everton followed, before the enigmatic Gascoigne then had short stints with Burnley, Gansu Tiama and Boston United.
Gascoigne also represented England 57 times, and is viewed by many as one of the most naturally gifted English football players there has ever been.
Gascoigne hung up his boots after playing for Boston, but some may not know that Gascoigne was actually open to joining Wolves before that move after his spell in China.
Paul Gascoigne wanted Wolves contract after trial
Gascoigne’s legs had started to fade after leaving Rangers at the age of 30.
He had wound up in China with Gansu Tiama, for whom he turned out just four times as he dealt with off-the-field problems.
After his spell in China, there was then potential for Gascoigne – aged 36 – to join Wolves, in what would have been an unlikely comeback story.
Gascoigne even trained with Wolves in 2003, with Paul Ince playing a big part in getting him to come.
He was looking to convince Dave Jones to take a chance on him, and Gascoigne proved very popular with the players at the time.
Jones opened the door to a possible permanent move for Gazza, saying at the time (via Birmingham Mail): “The arrangement is open-ended – he stays as long as he wants to.
“If he turns out to be what we know Paul can be then you never say never.
“Let’s just give Paul a bit of time and space and the chance to get fit.”
Gazza would play a few reserve team games for Wolves, against Sunderland and then West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers.
Why Paul Gascoigne did not sign for Wolves
That appearance against Blackburn – against whom he suffered a shin injury and had to be withdrawn – was to be his final in old gold.
Gazza and Wolves parted ways, with Jones explaining: “Gazza has decided that he will not reach Premiership level at the moment and he has gone away to think about his future.
“He is fit and he has been a pleasure to deal with since he has been here. But he feels that he will not quite cut it at the moment.
“It was entirely his decision and I respect his honesty.
“Gazza has been fantastic to have around the place and I am sure some other clubs will make him an offer.”
Gascoigne conceded that he had hoped to get a contract from Wolves saying: “Not a big one, obviously. But now, sitting here in my hotel, I’ve had to admit to myself that it’s not going to work.”
“Wolves are not going to give me a contract, however titchy. It’s heartbreaking, but I might as well acknowledge that that’s it. I feel devastated.”