ONCE England's most breath-taking football talent, Paul Gascoigne has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Sacked as manager of Kettering Town amid accusations of drinking, his very public problems cannot fail to bring to mind the decline of George Best.

But football is not the only sport which can push participants to breaking point. Today top York jockey Robert Winston opened up about his demons. Following a horror fall at Ayr, which nearly cost him his life, and allegations of corruption, he also sought solace in alcohol.

Fortunately, Mr Winston recognised he was on the wrong track and is sorting out his life. That takes courage. We wish him well.

Updated: 11:00 Friday, December 09, 2005