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'He intended to go to the bookies but didn't end up getting out of the training ground!': Paul Gascoigne once stole Middlesbrough's brand new team coach and CRASHED it just hours before a game with Aston Villa, new book reveals

Paul Gascoigne once hijacked Middlesbrough's brand spanking new team coach and crashed it just hours before a match.

The former England international was waiting to make the trip to Aston Villa with his team-mates when he decided to take the bus for a spin after noticing the keys had been left in the ignition.

Gascoigne, who was known for being a practical joker throughout his career, intended on taking it to the nearest bookies but ended up 'smashing it up' and causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Paul Gascoigne once stole Middlesbrough's new team bus and crashed it before a game
Boro had to set off for game at Villa in 1998 four hours late after a replacement bus was needed

Gascoigne's crash caused Boro to set off for their game at Villa four hours later after they managed to summon a replacement vehicle for the trip, which they lost 3-1.