EXCITED Clitheroe boss Peter Smith says he cannot wait to enter touchline battle with his football idol Paul Gascoigne – and reckons the England legend’s return to management is ‘huge for non-league’.

Gascoigne is set to be unveiled as the new manager of Clitheroe’s Evo-Stik League First Division North rivals Garforth Town and is due to make the trip to Shawbridge on October 30.

And Smith can hardly wait for that date.

“I am really excited by it,” said Smith. “Gazza is one of my football idols and it will seem odd to be battling him in the dugout – but what a thrill.

“He is a legend, one of the greatest players the game has seen and is such a boost for everyone.

“People know about him, people have watched him scoring against Scotland and the likes, he is a great.”

Smith, whose Clitheroe side are riding high in third place in the table after a bright start, also believes that Gazza’s return to management will be more successful than his 39-day stint as boss of Kettering Town five years ago.

“Everyone knows things didn’t work out for him back then,” added Smith. “He had all manner of problems but I hope this time will be about the football.

“It’s huge for non-league, not just for Garforth.

“People know Gazza and will want to turn up to see him and have the crack with him – and how good would it be for any non-league manager to tell the story of how they beat Gazza?

“You could dine out on that one for ever.”

Smith also reckons the boost will be felt across the league as Gascoigne’s appearances will hand a much-needed cash boost to every team playing host to Garforth.

“Money is tight in our league and most clubs are paying just expenses,” he said. “There are only the likes of Chorley, Fylde and Chester in our league paying decent cash – so any extra fans attracted by Gazza are bound to be appreciated by the chairmen.

“And it is a great testament for this league that we have Gazza, one of the world’s greatest players, and Garry Flitcroft, who played at the very highest level, managing in it.

“I really can’t wait for October 30.”

Gascoigne is all set to be named as Garforth chief today and his agent Keith McStea said: “Paul’s got TV work coming out of his ears, if he wants it. But he’s totally loved in football and anyone who gets him as a manager, will be getting potentially a great manager.”

Garforth are currently in 14th spot in the First Division North.