ALAN PARDEW wants Newcastle United fans to show Shola Ameobi âmore loveâ as he looks to give the long-serving striker an extended run in his line-up.
The Magpies boss may not see African Cup of Nations-bound Demba Ba again until mid-February â and sees 30-year-old Shola one of his most reliable players.
Ameobi has scored 71 times for Newcastle since debuting in 2000, but Pardew feels the Nigeria-born striker brings so much more to the black-and-whites.
Pardew told the Chronicle: âSince I have been with this football club, I can name two or three occasions when he hasnât been at his best. Every time I put him out there he does terrific for me.
âI just wish he was loved a bit more by the fans.
âIf they had seen him in the dressing room then I think they would all love him.â
Ameobiâs latest appearance came against Manchester United as he helped inspire the 3-0 win at St Jamesâ Park by supplying the vital flick-on for Baâs opening goal against the Red Devils.
Pardew said: âHis mentality to win the game and his mentality with the other players is there.
âHe was terrific against the champions Man United.â
Pardew has already thrown the gauntlet down to Leon Best, Hatem Ben Arfa and Peter Lovenkrands â and now sees the Ameobi factor as crucial in the next few weeks.
And he wasnât just talking Shola. The former West Ham boss added: âWe havenât seen much of Sammy recently.
âWith Demba going away, Sammy might get his chance as well. He has a great family behind him and Sammy couldnât have anyone better to show him the way than Shola.â
Read More http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newc...ow-ameobi-love-72703-30075576/?#ixzz1imd6PHid
everyone loves but just not always when he's playing.
The Magpies boss may not see African Cup of Nations-bound Demba Ba again until mid-February â and sees 30-year-old Shola one of his most reliable players.
Ameobi has scored 71 times for Newcastle since debuting in 2000, but Pardew feels the Nigeria-born striker brings so much more to the black-and-whites.
Pardew told the Chronicle: âSince I have been with this football club, I can name two or three occasions when he hasnât been at his best. Every time I put him out there he does terrific for me.
âI just wish he was loved a bit more by the fans.
âIf they had seen him in the dressing room then I think they would all love him.â
Ameobiâs latest appearance came against Manchester United as he helped inspire the 3-0 win at St Jamesâ Park by supplying the vital flick-on for Baâs opening goal against the Red Devils.
Pardew said: âHis mentality to win the game and his mentality with the other players is there.
âHe was terrific against the champions Man United.â
Pardew has already thrown the gauntlet down to Leon Best, Hatem Ben Arfa and Peter Lovenkrands â and now sees the Ameobi factor as crucial in the next few weeks.
And he wasnât just talking Shola. The former West Ham boss added: âWe havenât seen much of Sammy recently.
âWith Demba going away, Sammy might get his chance as well. He has a great family behind him and Sammy couldnât have anyone better to show him the way than Shola.â
Read More http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newc...ow-ameobi-love-72703-30075576/?#ixzz1imd6PHid
everyone loves but just not always when he's playing.


