Fergie called me into his office three years ago to give me a bollocking - even now, he's the only manager that I s**t myself when I see him' Paul Gascoigne on turning down Sir Alex Ferguson

"Back in 1988, Gazzamania was still a couple of years from becoming a true national phenomenon, but it was clear that there was something special about the lively young Newcastle United midfielder Paul Gascoigne. His performances for the Magpies across the 1987/88 campaign had seen him named as the PFA Young Player of the Year and earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Year, with Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson one of his many admirers."

"With Newcastle ensuing a period of unrest and instability, Gascoigne's sale was looking inevitable and Ferguson looked to take advantage, with Gazza telling the Scot he would sign for the club. Instead, he would move to Tottenham in a 2.2million deal in the summer of 1988, reneging on his agreement with Ferguson. And it would appear that this is something the legendary manager has never forgotten."

Paul Gascoigne emerged in 1987/88 as a standout Newcastle United midfielder, winning PFA Young Player of the Year and a place in the PFA Team of the Year. Newcastle's unrest made his sale likely and Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson sought to sign him. Gascoigne told Ferguson he would join United, but Tottenham chairman Irving Scholar offered Gascoigne's family £120,000 for a house. Gascoigne signed for Tottenham in a £2.2 million transfer in summer 1988, reneging on his agreement with Ferguson. Ferguson reacted angrily, later sending Gascoigne a letter calling him 'You stupid c**t.'

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