Has passed away at the age of 71. http://www.safc.com/news/club-news/2015/february/nick-sharkey-obituary "The Scot scored 62 goals in 117 appearances for Sunderland during the early to mid Sixties and was an active, prominent and extremely popular member of the Sunderland Former Players’ Association." One of the consolations of having to leave the NE, at a young age, was to be able to watch Sharkey play for Mansfield Town. It was great seeing an ex-Sunderland player and he was always a hard worker and likely scorer.
So sorry to hear this news. I remember watching him many times when I was a kid. 71 no age, seems so unfair.
Nicky Sharkey was a player I always felt sorry for. As a young kid, he was touted as "the next Hughie Gallagher". Experienced supporters, such as myself, rubbished Nick because he didn't turn out quite that good (and, given Gallagher's record, hadn't a hope in hell of ever going to!). It was only later in life that I realized how unfair we'd been ever to expect it. Nicky was a good player, with good stats. Just not quite Hughie Gallagher! I'd a lot more respect for him later, and am very sorry to hear of his death. RIP, Nicky.
please log in to view this image This is Roberts scoring, into the end I was in, from a pass by Sharkey ........ it remains one of my favourite live matches ever, what a night that was. Mansfield absolutely destroyed a very strong West Ham team ........ 1:Bobby Ferguson, 2:Billy Bonds, 3:Bobby Howe, 4:Martin Peters, 5:Alan Stephenson, 6:Bobby Moore, 7:Harry Redknapp, 8:Jimmy Lindsay9:Trevor Brooking, 10:Geoff Hurst, 11:John Sissons Mansfield Town 3-0 West Ham United, FA Cup Fifth Round February 26th 1969, Field Mill, Mansfield Attendance:21,117
R.I.P. Nick You were a hero of mine as a youngster. I remember him scoring four against Norwich if I remember rightly in a midweek match. What i remember tho was his great attitude to us fans. He never failed to stand ages after a game at Roker Park, patiently signing autographs. Was never going to be an international superstar - but he sure knew where the goal was - joy to watch. KTF
Some years ago Eusebio was interviewed on English TV and someone mentioned Sunderland and straightaway he said "Sharkey and Hurley", referring to the night that we beat Benfica 5-2 and Sharkey scored a hat trick. Round about 1963 or so.
Rip Nick - Christ I recognise a few of these on here - looking at that picture is that George Kinnell second from the right at the back?
I reckon that could be George Mulhall and the old lad to his right was Arthur Wright who was the trainer.
You summed it up very well there, noggie. The problem for Nicky was he was lumbered with that 'Gallagher' tag at 18 or 19. and it was like an albatross round his neck. He got genuine flak from supporters like me because he wasn't (and was never going to be) the new Hughie. And yet, he was a damned good player. It was so unfair on him. You summed it up better than me, for sure.
Unfortunately I was at that game, for their first goal Monty kicked the ball out straight to Dennis Law was was about 20 yards out, driving home I took a wrong turn and made a U turn in the road then about ten cars behind did the same thing obviously following the Sunderland number plate
Yes he was a very good opportunist but Hurley used to bounce the ball off Sharkeys head into the net virtually
