Paul Gascoigne has revealed how Wolves star Paul Ince was the rock who helped him through "the worst year of my life". Gascoigne was on trial at Molineux 15 months ago as he tried to make a comeback in the Premiership with Wolves. But after he failed to win a contract with the Black Country club, he suffered a year that nearly cost him his life. The 37-year-old former England international confessed to being an alcoholic and using cocaine, but the worst was yet to come. Gascoigne was suffering with chest pains which he thought were nothing more than 'flu. But when he was rushed in for an X-ray he was diagnosed as having pneumonia, put on a drip and pumped full of antibiotics in the Princess Grace Hospital in London. Gascoigne also sustained a dislodged disc in his neck which prevented him from competing in the BBC's Strictly Come Ice Dancing, as well as suffering a perforated stomach ulcer and a nearfatal car accident during a shocking 12-month period. But throughout it all, Gascoigne could count on the support of long-time friend and former England team-mate Ince. And Gazza knows that he owes the inspirational Wolves midfielder a great deal after his support. "Paul has been a pal of mine for years and I really appreciated what he did," said Gascoigne. "When I was ill I had a lot of text messages and messages of support from lots of old friends. "But Paul was always one of the first to get in touch and he has always been a true friend. We will definitely stay in touch for the rest of our lives. "The fact that he helped me when I needed him most says everything about the man. "It's good to be someone's friend but when you can help them out, that really shows true friendship. "He has been a pal of mine for years and he is a very strong character, which is what I like. "Paul, like me, has made a few mistakes during his career, but we are like two old soldiers marching on. I think he has done an amazing job for Wolves and I know he would love to take them back to the Premiership. "He has always been one of the biggest winners in the game and that will never change. "He has always been a winner for me, too." Even though Gascoigne spent a short and ultimately abortive spell at Molineux he has nothing but praise for the then manager, Dave Jones, and the club. Apart from a short spell at Boston earlier this season, Gascoigne has been unable to break back into football. But, as he bids to rebuild his life, he admits he harbours no grudges about his lack of opportunity at Molineux. "I enjoyed my time immensely at Wolves," he continued. "It's a great club and it was great to be there and feel wanted there. "I just wish it had worked out better for me as I still have so much to give the game. "Paul Ince and Dave Jones were fantastic towards me, as they knew I had problems but were always sympathetic. "They are a 'proper' club and even though I never played for the first team, I always look out for their results and class them as one of my teams. "At that stage of my life I needed to feel wanted and they did that. More importantly, they enabled me to help myself as well." Gascoigne left Boston earlier in the season after a short spell as player-coach in order to concentrate on obtaining more qualifications. He insists that he wants to get back into football - with the right job - and is more than happy to coach youngsters. However, as he admits, the biggest battle is getting through each day without a drink. "Every day of my life is tough," he continued. "I find life difficult as a recovering alcoholic. "I will always have good and bad days. Thankfully, I am having more good than bad at present. "For two years of my life - between the ages of 34 and 36 - I had some really bad times. But I am coming out at the other side now and I feel better about myself. "It didn't work out for me at Boston as they only had seven or eight apprentices and there weren't enough players to work with. "Nevertheless, my ambition is to get back into football and work with kids." ian.clarkson@mrn.co.uk | 
