FROM the smallest of acorns, the tallest of oaks do grow and, in a footballing sense at least, acorns don't come much smaller than Kettering Town.

But, by choosing to start his managerial career at the lowest rung on the ladder, Paul Gascoigne has given himself the best possible chance of emulating everything he achieved in his playing days.

There are those that will scoff at the idea of Gazza taking control of a club currently lying fifth in Conference North.

Kettering need two successive promotions just to reach the Football League and regularly play their football in front of crowds of less than 1,000.

But the snipers who have mocked how far the 38-year-old has fallen since he was winning his 57 England caps completely miss the point.

For Gascoigne, the most important thing is simply that he is back in football. For his fledgling managerial career, it is good that he is starting at the bottom.

The tragic health problems that have ravaged George Best, another maverick genius who was as famous for his off-field antics as his sublime footballing skills, underline how difficult it is for the true greats to adapt to a life outside the game.

Best never truly accepted that his glory days were over. After walking out of Old Trafford, he endured spells at Fulham, Stockport, Hibernian, Bournemouth and three clubs in the North American Soccer League in a vain attempt to cling to the successes of the past.

The last three years have seen Gascoigne's career follow a similarly unflattering path.

He signed a one-year deal with Chinese side Gansu Tianma in 2003, only to leave after four games, and also spent time with League Two strugglers Boston and Portuguese unknowns Algarve United.

But, while Best's non-playing days were characterised by his playboy lifestyle, alcoholism and two failed marriages, Gascoigne's could yet prove his salvation.

At this stage of his life, the former Newcastle midfielder needs to be involved in football.

His initial attempts to flourish outside of the game have been largely unsuccessful and, by his own admission, he is finding it hard to fill the gaping void that his retirement has caused.

As Best found to his cost, the easiest ways to plug the gap are often the most dangerous.

Gascoigne's vivacious personality makes him particularly susceptible to prolonged bouts of depression but, by taking over at Kettering's Rockingham Road, he has given himself every chance of ensuring there is meaning to his existence.

It may not be the same as leading a Chelsea or a Manchester United, but managing Kettering will give Gascoigne the same adrenalin rush and sense of purpose.

It will also enable him to learn his trade away from the media glare.

The one-time Footballer of the Year was the centre of attention as Kettering took on Droylsden yesterday, but he will not be for long.

Within a week or two, he will be a footballing footnote and, while that will not sit well with his sense of self-worth, it will allow him to make the inevitable mistakes that all young managers need to make.

He will not be perfect from the off but, at Kettering as opposed to a more high-profile club, he will not be hung out to dry as soon as something goes wrong.

Only time will tell whether he is cut out for a managerial role. Prices of 33-1 about Gascoigne ever managing in the Premiership or 100-1 on him ever taking control of England suggest the bookmakers have already made their minds up.

But, should he prove them wrong, he would not be the first person to succeed from humble beginnings.

After all, few would have predicted what would follow when he made a similarly low-key start to his playing days with Redheugh Boys.