Guernsey striker in Gazza crossfire

RYAN-ZICO BLACK says he has been 'caught in the crossfire' of the footballing row which has once again put Paul Gascoigne on the front pages of the national tabloids. On the day that Gazza was interviewed by Liverpool police over the alleged assault on a freelance photographer, the 24-year-old Guernseyman, Gascoigne's first signing as Kettering manager, spoke of the madness of the media frenzy surrounding the Conference North club.

'It's absolutely crazy,' he said.

'I've just got to the ground and there are cameras everywhere,' added Black, who was in the Poppies' squad for the away game against Alfreton Town last night, having been left out of Saturday's home game against Barrow.

Black's version of events leading up to his signing a couple of weeks ago suggest that he was not a choice of the controversial Gascoigne, who was sacked on Sunday evening and spent Monday night in a police cell.

Imraan Ladack, the club chairman, has been accused by Gascoigne of interfering with team affairs and Black admitted that he was Ladack's choice when bought and not the former England star's.

On arrival at Kettering on a full-time contract, Black ' one of just four players to enjoy that status at the little Northamptonshire club ' was welcomed by Gascoigne, who said he had heard he was a good

player.

But after just two substitute appearances, Black was sidelined by the man Ladack accused of being under the influence of alcohol in training, on the team coach and in the dressing room.

'All of a sudden on Thursday I was left out of the training session and the squads for Saturday,' he said.

'It's more so the chairman who signed me. I don't think Gazza likes to be told what to do. I think I could have been caught in the crossfire.'

Black said that he had not seen Gascoigne worse for wear.

'In the changing rooms, he's been fine.

'As far as I'm concerned, he's not given me the impression he was drinking.'

Ladack has a different viewpoint, citing 37 incidents involving Gascoigne during the 39 days of his eventful Kettering managerial career.

'I don't know the ins and outs of what's going on,' said the Guernsey striker. 'I've just got to get on with it.