Troubled Paul Gascoigne has pulled out of an evening with Newcastle United fans this week because of “ill health”.
Gazza, who has battled alcoholism and spoken publicly about his mental health issues, was booked to speak at a Newcastle Legends event in his native Dunston, in Gateshead, on Wednesday.
The 50-year-old had been set to appear alongside fellow Magpies hero Peter Beardsley.
Now, organisers have confirmed the night will still go ahead with Bearsley, the current Newcastle United Under-23s manager.
The sold-out event is being held at the Lancastrian Suite in Gateshead, reports the Newcastle Chronicle .
Fans had hoped to hear Gazza talk about his career playing for Newcastle as well as England, Lazio and Rangers.
The Dunston-born star took part in a Newcastle Legends talk-in at St James’ Park in August.
He made a bizarre claim that he used to touch Les Ferdinand's manhood for good luck before a big game.
At the time he spoke of his desire to move back to the North East.
Gazza said: “It’s lovely to come back. I just love coming back and hearing the Geordie accent again.
“Even when I got the train back the guy who was serving the tea went: ‘Areet wor Gazza!’.
He added: “I miss football badly, even at my age. It’s good to see a few old team-mates. I’m feeling good and enjoying life.”