FORMER Newcastle United boss Jack Charlton popped down to the supermarket to have a chat with his protege Paul Gascoigne.

The England World Cup winner met up with Gascoigne as he signed copies of his autobiography, Gazza: My Story, at Tesco's Kingston Park store, in Newcastle, on Saturday.

Charlton said: "I haven't read the book. I came here to say hello."

Ex-England, Newcastle and Boro star Gazza also bumped into Joe Ruddy, who played alongside him in Redheugh Boys' Club when they were youngsters.

Joe, 37, said: "I'm a little bit nervous about seeing him again.

"It's been a long time.

"I used to say I was the best footballer in Gateshead after Paul Gascoigne..but I'm past it now."

Gascoigne, who is living in Dunston, Gateshead, with best pal Jimmy "Five Bellies" Gardner, said: "I recognised him straight away."