GLENN ROEDER has been described as the perfect man to transform Newcastle United into a Premiership force again, by the man who is godfather to his children - Paul Gascoigne.

Gascoigne, renowned for his wayward lifestyle after more than a decade in the public eye, actually employed Roeder as his mentor during his early days with Lazio in Italy.

And, having stayed in touch ever since, Gazza is confident Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has turned to exactly the right man to steer the glory days back to St James' Park.

First, though, the former England hero admits Shepherd will have to loosen the purse strings and allow Roeder to add to the already expensively assembled squad.

"I think it's great for Glenn that he is back in management," said Gascoigne.

"We are close friends and we have been close for a number of years.

"It's a great opportunity for Glenn and I really do wish him well next season.

"He did really well when he first took over from Graeme Souness, he did well in steering them up to sixth. Now he has been given a two-year contract and I'm hoping he does really well during that time.

"Glenn knows the game inside out and, if he buys the right players this summer, Newcastle will definitely do well next season.

"I am so proud of him, and what he achieved in those last few months, and the fact he is now the manager of the club we both love is fantastic for him."

Ironically Roeder was part of Glenn Hoddle's England coaching staff ahead of the 1998 World Cup, when Gascoigne was reduced to tears after being told he would not be in the final squad.

So if Wayne Rooney was to miss out this time, the Geordie genius knows exactly what the Manchester United striker is going through.

But, with or without the player who was often referred to as the new Gazza when he first broke onto the professional scene, Gascoigne insists England have a strong shout for success in Germany.

"England have a good chance, the same as anyone else," said Gascoigne. "We have a great chance of winning, more so this time than four years ago. The players are older, they have more experience and I'm looking forward to it.

"It would be nice if Sven Goran Eriksson took Wayne along. He might miss the first couple of games but, after that, if England are still in it, he might be ready for the quarter-finals. That would be great."

Gascoigne was back in the region yesterday to launch his latest book, which looks back on years of personal torture and is appropriately named My Journey To Hell and Back.

The 38-year-old has had to deal with his problems with bulimia, drink, gambling, attention deficit disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.

"I suppose I have been to hell but now I'm on my way back," said Gascoigne. "I found the book therapeutic in a way. But some people have even more problems than I did.

"I hope it has helped to get rid of the demons. I have come out of it as a stronger person. I'm moving on and I'm not the Gazza I used to be.

"I'm back to being my old self again. I'm in good spirits. I hope I can keep improving. I'm happy at the minute. I have a smile back on my face."

And, despite his acrimonious departure from the managerial chair at non-league Kettering last season, Gascoigne has not given up hope of returning to management.

"I want to do it properly this time. I want to get the right credentials, work for the badges, and if anything comes up I will concentrate on making sure I do it right," he said.