The Enigma That Is Shola Ameobi

Love Shola.

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport...toon-the-enigma-that-s-shola-ameobi-1-5760366


SHOLA Ameobi’s long polarised opinions on Tyneside.


For almost 13 years, to be more precise.

And Ameobi’s appearance off the bench at Upton Park early last month – his 368th for Newcastle United – could yet prove to be his last.

The 31-year-old’s career appears to be at a crossroads.

Ameobi – who will become club’s longest-serving player when Steve Harper formally leaves at the end of the month – has a year left on his St James’s Park contract.

And United manager Alan Pardew has indicated he’d be willing to offer him an extension to his deal.

The decision will be down to Ameobi, who spoke to Pardew about his future late last season.

What is clear is that the striker – whose career has been beset by a series of injuries – wants to play more games.

That’s understandable. He started just four Premier League fixtures last term, and 11 in total.

However, with Newcastle looking to sign another frontline forward this season, that looks unlikely.

Teenager Adam Campbell – who offers a very different threat to the imposing Ameobi – will also be pushing for a first-team place, having broken into Pardew’s first-team squad last season.

He might well have to leave in order to play more regular first-team football.

Apart from a short loan spell at Stoke City during Kevin Keegan’s second spell in charge, Ameobi’s spent his entire career at United.

Appreciated by some, unappreciated by others, Ameobi – who memorably got under Dennis Wise’s skin on his debut in September 2000 – has become something of a cult figure since he was promoted to the senior squad by the late, great Sir Bobby Robson.

He has scored some unforgettable goals during his long career at the club he has supported since arriving on Tyneside from Nigeria as a boy.

Only Jackie Milburn has scored more times in Tyne-Wear derbies for Newcastle than him.

There’s also his enviable record with penalties and against European opposition, underlined by his memorable spot kick against Metalist Kharkiv on a freezing night in the Ukraine back in February.

His career goal tally for United stands at 76. Hardly prolific, but 164 of his appearances have been as a substitute.

What Ameobi’s detractors don’t see is his influence in the dressing room, where he is a strong voice. Strong voices, like his, are needed on and off the field.

If the time is right for Ameobi to reluctantly end his career at St James’s Park, he will be able to leave with his head held high.

And not every player who has left the club has been able to do that.

 

Shola in a Bowler

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Appreciated by some, unappreciated by others, Ameobi – who memorably got under Dennis Wise’s skin on his debut in September 2000 – has become something of a cult figure since he was promoted to the senior squad by the late, great Sir Bobby Robson.

Anybody that get's under Wises's skin is ok in my book.

I really hate that little slimey, Cockney bastard.

 

Useless footballer.

Only period I was in favour of him being in the starting 11 was during our Championship season, and even then he was just run of the mill. The guy needs to be moved on, he is barely League 1 standard some days. It's a joke that this guy even has a chance of being in our starting 11.

 

Enigma or Enema?

 

Shola Ameobi is like Titus Bramble in my eyes... He can play like a legend one minute and then like a school-boy the next!

Far too inconsistent and hugely over-rated, but a club legend all the same.

If he goes I won't be upset as I don't think he can be relied upon for a performance.

There is no questioning his penalty-taking ability and his enthusiasm for Newcastle United - that though, is never enough in 2013 - at his age, he should be an established fixture in a side. That's never going to happen here.

Thanks for everything, Shola.

 

Nowt against the lad but he has tortured my eyes. Time to go, being professional is not enough.

 

an enigma wrapped in an enigma wearing an enigma's coat
maybe this is why he finds it so hard to move on the bloody pitch!

 

Nice guy but hope he ****s off in the summer. I literally couldn't take it seeing him embarrass himself in the black and white for another season.

 

Never rated him personally, Too slow, lazy and forever committing fouls. Not a regular scorer either for a centre forward. He can go with my blessing as we need better in the PL.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PRyGLC8Qyc This video says it all.

 

wtf is this?

 

A dapper looking mackem slayer?