Bad?

Do you remember where you were when Elvis died? Or John Lennon was shot? When the twin towers were hit, when Kennedy was gunned down or you heard of Diana's death?

Today of course will be another of those days to look back on in the future.

There are two things I think connect Michael Jackson with English football.

Well three if you count this.

He is certainly the epitome of the stresses and strains of being a high profile celebrity in the public eye. A living example of how fame and fortune don't necessarily make you happy. A
visible victim of the pressure of having an amazing talent and all that comes with that.

One would have to draw a parallel between Jacko and the likes of George Best and Gazza.

The other link, of course, is his directorship of Exeter FC.

Like many a great talent, whether in football or the wider world, there is little doubt that Michael Jackson was a complex character.

His talent is beyond debate. Whether the more controversial side of his character and behaviour were because he was a victim of circumstance or just simply bad I'll leave you to decide.

Neigh Lad!

You know what they say about Gazza.

Wherever he goes, trouble is never far behind.

He has only been here a few weeks.

But look at the effect he has had on the place already!

A Walk On The Wild Side

If you were having a difficult time in your life, like Paul Gascoigne for example, there is probably a fairly short list of people who you might view as being good to talk to. People who really could give you the support and guidance you need.

But I bet I'm not alone in thinking that probably one of the last people in the world who would make that list would be this man.

With his conviction in 1992 for rape and disqualification in 1997 for biting off an opponent's ear, he doesn't strike me as full of the milk of human kindness.

That's not to say I don't believe that people can change. But feral boxer to counsellor? I'm really not sure.

Talking of feral though, I reckon The Foxes could do with a bit of that at the moment. A good helping of fighting spirit would certainly spice up their recent tame performances.

There But For The Grace Of God ....

I was really sad to learn of Paul Gascoigne's troubles.

Mental health problems can affect any of us. Did you know for example;

• According to the Office for National Statistics, 1 in 4 British adults experience at least one diagnosable mental health problem in any one year, and one in six experiences this at any given time.
• Between 8 and 10% of the population experience depression in any one year
• Suicide is the most common form of death in men under 35

The most common forms of mental health problems are;

• Alcohol and drug problems
• Anorexia and Bulimia
• Anxiety and Phobias
• Bereavement
• Depression
• Memory problems/dementia
• Obsessive compulsive disorder
• Personality disorder
• Sleep problems
• Stress
• Schizophrenia
• Post Traumatic Stress
• Post Natal Depression

Awful enough to be coping with such difficulties but to have to do it in the public spotlight makes it so much worse. Just ask this woman.

Wherever you are tonight Gazza we are thinking of you. Thanks for the magic.