If there was ever a man worthy of the word legend, that is Mr Niall Quinn. Being a handy footballer barely scratches the surface of the man, rarely are men of his honour and nature born, even less frequently do so many people have the blessing of knowing they exist. Simple stuff first, Quinn was a very talented footballer, often maligned because of his gangly, lanky appearance, ask any Sunderland or Manchester City fan about the big mans touch, and finesse. Towering in the air, he had sublime control on the chest, and had a great eye for a lay off, head, or either foot. 141 goal is 475 appearances as a professional footballer is a very respectable return by anyone's standard, what those stats will never tell is the ethic and often inspiration he brought to the team. Internationally, the big man notched 21 in 92 for the Republic of Ireland, including a World Cup goal against Holland that famously took the Irish into the second round, and on to the quarter finals, a magnificent achievement. He scored the first ever goal at the Stadium of Light, and today that seems more fitting than ever, a never to be removed mark on the club, I can think of no man more worthy. Moving away from football, Quinn didn't just embrace Sunderland Association Football Club, but the whole city. Quinn donated millions from his testimonial year into the Sunderland NHS, helping to build a new childrens ward which bears his name (we all burst with pride whenever we see it). He moved away from football, to spend time with his beloved family, and indulge his other great passion in horse racing, that could have been that (although his name NEVER stopped ringing around the SOL). Instead, seeing us at our lowest ebb,a club crashed and burned on it's knees, the big man came to our aid, actively seeking and finding investors, bringing together the Drumaville consortium and dragging the club back from the brink of oblivion. When Drumaville themselves became enclaved in financial problems, arise again Sir Niall, a chance meeting with Ellis Short, and once, and surely for ever, the club was secured. There is nothing I could ever say here to sum up my admiration, adoration and respect for the man, indeed, I find myself a little emotional writing this. If there is a symbol of all that can be good in human nature, then Niall Quinn is it, I sincerely hope and wish that we see him around the Stadium of Light, and we absolutely as fans need to make sure that the naming of a stand and a statue are the minimum. "I learned my trade at Arsenal, became a footballer at Manchester City, but Sunderland got under my skin. I love Sunderland." âNiall Quinn Probably not nearly as much as we love you big man. Forever an honourary Mackem, I can only wish that you and your family get back from the heavens what you richly deserve. All the best Niall. We Are Sunderland.
Nice piece MM. Echoed my thought's exactly, I can never be thankful enough for what Quinn's did for my club.
Excellent MM, pretty much sums the guy up. Having spoke to a few footballers in my time, I don't think anyone came close, to how eloquent and genuinely nice the bloke is.
I remember a night way back when MR, I used to work in Annabels, Quinny was in with Dichio & Micky Gray, all 3 of them were diamonds, Quinny was helping the glass collecters get boxes of bottles over the bar, he was in the corner, never phased once by the glut of people wanting a chat and a handshake, and he tipped rather handsomely as well None of what the public see is a mask, the man is just a gentleman of the highest order.
I know what you mean mate, the difference he brought to SAFC can hardly be put into words. I was going to post my thoughts in Syds thread. Just a pity the Mags felt the need to ruin the thread though.
When I first did my back in, I used to see him regularly at Springwell Health Centre in passing at the entrance. We didn't have the same doctor and I didn't have the nerve to ask him personal questions like why he was there. He always asked me how I was and Dichio came up as we both had the same specialist. My abiding memory is, he was about to get in the car that was picking him up, looked up and spotted me having a cigarette leaning against my car other side of the carpark. He waved, I waved, next thing he had come over to ask me how I was doing! A true gentleman.
Typical of the man MR. Dichio was a gent as well mind, you'd never know he was a footballer, just used to mooch about the bar like a normal punter. I don't see any Niall's about now, sadly.
