Gascoigne gets Kettering sack

Paul Gascoigne's latest football venture ended in bitter recrimination last night when he was sacked as Kettering Town manager after only 39 days amid conflicting allegations of drunkenness and boardroom interference in team affairs.

The former England midfielder, who took charge in late October, was dismissed after only eight matches along with his assistant manager Paul Davis, the former Arsenal player. The chairman Imraan Ladak, who installed him after buying a controlling stake in the Conference North club, said he would be replaced by Kevin Wilson, the previous incumbent.

In a prepared statement Gascoigne said he did not accept his sacking and would be on the team coach for tonight's match at Alfreton Town. He also said he would try to buy out Ladak's stake.

"The chairman wants to sack me but I said I will never walk away from Kettering Town and I will fight all the way," he said. "I am now looking to buy the football club."

Ladak, however, claimed Gascoigne had offered to quit on Sunday night after an acrimonious exchange.

"Last night's conversation was a result of 37 separate incidents I have had to deal with since the appointment of Paul Gascoigne as manager," he told the club's website.

"Unfortunately Paul Gascoigne has been under the influence of alcohol before, during and after several first-team games and training sessions. This has been noticeable to the board of directors, players, coaching staff and sections of the media. A referee and fourth official have also filed a report with the FA."

Kettering was Gascoigne's first managerial post. The club are in the FA Trophy fourth round but FA Cup interest ended when they lost to Stevenage Borough. His latest match, against Barrow on Saturday, ended in a 3-1 home defeat, making his league record won two, drawn two, lost two. Before joining Kettering he had an ill-starred spell with Boston.

His statement said he had "never been left alone to do my job as manager" and accused Ladak of serially interfering in team affairs.

Gascoigne has not commented on Ladak's allegations of drunkenness but claimed to have cleaned up his act after a spell in rehab.