Geordie Boot Boys looks back at what Sir Bobby Robson said about Newcastle United legend Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne before his big move to Tottenham Hotspur in 1988.
The Magpies have had their fair share of legends in the past, but very few come close to Paul Gascoigne. Better known as ‘Gazza’, the Gateshead-born star joined Newcastle United in 1980 as a 13-year-old prospect, hoping he would one day be part of his boyhood club.
He finally got his opportunity in 1985, making his debut under Jack Charlton and spending three years on Tyneside before being sold to Tottenham Hotspur for £2.2million.
Gazza has gone on to be an influence to many since his playing days. Theo Walcott likened Newcastle target Tyler Dibling to Gascoigne earlier in 2025, while he has been widely recognised as one of Newcastle’s best-ever academy players.
One person who took a real shine to him was the late Glenn Roeder. We look back at what the Newcastle hero said about Gazza in 1988 ahead of his big move to London.
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Glenn Roeder took Paul Gascoigne under his wing at Newcastle United in the 1980s
Roeder was Newcastle’s captain during the 1980s, well before taking a managerial job with the club in 2006. The defender was well-liked on Tyneside, by Gazza in particular.
Gazza had established himself as one of the best players in England by the time 1988 came around, so his move to a club like Tottenham was imminent, but it was still a very emotional farewell for the boy who grew up in the shadow of St James’ Park.
The attacking midfielder made a total of 104 appearances for Newcastle, scoring 25 goals. He may not have been as successful without Roeder as his mentor.
Speaking in a video feature about Gazza in 1988, Roeder recalled his first meeting with the Newcastle hero and what he saw in him during training sessions.
“I remember coming out the training ground and this little lad coming up to me and saying ‘I’ll carry your case for you down the road to the bus stop’. I think from that day I took to him.
“I could see from the first few times that I played against him because when we had a practice match, he’d be playing for the reserves. There was this little lad playing one-twos getting forward, scoring goals when he was clean through, and he was only 17. I thought to myself then, this lad has got a big future.”
Paul Gascoigne told Anthony Gordon to stay at Newcastle United amid exit rumours
Roeder unfortunately passed away in 2021, but he will always be recognised for his contributions to the club during his six years on Tyneside and his year as manager. As for Gazza, he will always be welcomed with open arms on Tyneside thanks to his efforts over the three years at Newcastle.
The 58-year-old now spends time handing out advice to existing Newcastle players who are facing uncertain futures.
Most recently, Gazza told Anthony Gordon to stay at Newcastle amid rumours he could sign for Liverpool or Arsenal.
“Newcastle’s an unbelievable club to play for, you know? He said in a recent podcast interview.
“Like I said, the people are at work all week just to see the game on a Saturday.”
Elsewhere, Gazza also believes former Newcastle man Scott Parker will be the England manager one day.
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