Obviously, Shola Ameobi gives me nightmares as a Sunderland fan, but just watched an interview with him on Sky Sports saying he thinks he will have to move on to play football in a World Cup year where his Nigeria spot is important to him. I've got to say, every time I hear him speak I am always impressed. Especially as he is a barcode through and through he is always dignified and loyal in his interviews and seems a really switched on bloke. I can't help feel that I wish Sunderland had had a servant like him over the years. A one club man that never whined at being looked over and is just content at being able to do his best when called upon. He'd get 10+ for a newly promoted team if he played each week and I'll will be willing him on if he does leave the filth. This is the reason I hope we keep Colback. Colback is a good player and he is one of us. He could be our one club man.
He was paid a lot of money - was on £20k + a week at one point of these (not sure how much now) - he sounds very switched on and was very loyal - but was paid silly money at times in his career - Mickey Gray was a proper Mackem - local lad made good - he left for footballing reasons not because he was dropped or anything. Never complained when he was here and was castigated by Mick McCarthy for having a fast car (effectively)
Shola like Harper have spent the best parts of their careers sitting on the bench being paid for nothing! I'd love some of those types at Sunderland.
Actually, yeah you're right. Hadn't really considered that. I didn't think he would have been on that much dosh. Mickey Gray, yep, he was a great servant. I remember him coming to Frankie and Benny's in Boldon in his Ferrari Modena 360. I was 16 at the time and I was his waiter (my first job). I busted my chops to make sure I sorted him out above all my other table and the dick gave me a 20p tip! haha........ In fairness I was a crap waiter and the food there is terrible. Aside from that little blip at Frankies. I have always held wor Mick in very high regard and his column with the BBC during his Shef Wed days showed that he really loved the game and just had a fantastic will to play. I'd kill (a Mag) for a young Mickey Gray in our current line up.
Shola is ****e and has been overpaid for years. They've had striker problems whenever he's been offered a new contract. It's nothing to shout about. His only saving grace has been derby form. Waste of thousands and thousands that lad. Bit like us and Bardo. I'm all for a long serving player but can it be one who's actually good?
He scored about 3 a season for the Mags. I think they should keep him and offer him an improved contract
Just been on their board and it's like the first day of the season at the SOL when we are playing away.
