looking back at the footage of him in that first league one season, its like watching a different player. what an inspiration to young pros to show that if you work hard and focus you don't need to be the most talented player in the changing room. not saying he's not talented. he has just had to work his arse off to be where he is now and I hope he's not reached his peak. I doubt he has.
He's so impressive in his attitude and approach to football and life in general. Good footballer, Great human being.
Stopped paying attention for a bit then heard the bit where Luke's missus told him to get some sleep whilst he can because he's in for a long night. Thought I might need to turn on the old private browser tab.
He's dug in and fought on through every challenge he's had in his career. He's learned lessons where others repeat mistakes or never get back up. He's inspirational. I've no doubt at all that he can be even better in his next career providing that psychological support to young footballers and encouraging elite mentality.
Hes just a ****ing brilliant lad all round really isn't he? Class listening to him, he just gets this club and understands what we as supporters want from our players. I love that he makes a conscious effort to 'take it all in', waiting for the national anthem at Wembo when we were singing by far the greatest team and he was stood there looking around and nodding. Hope hes here for years.
I need to complain about the dust in this office - some of it have gone into my eyes making them water watching that!
I think he is closer than most players to understanding what us 'life term' supporters actually feel when watching Sunderland play. As he said, most of us would give our right and left arms to be in his shoes, so that makes it all the more important he gives his all when playing for us. I doubt many other players appreciate that, especially in the rarified air of the premier league. He also appreciates that it's not just about what he does on the pitch, he's obviously a driven guy, destined to do well in what he goes on to do later, yet he always seems to find time for everyone around him, with a smile, greeting or kind words and deeds. Exactly the kind of player Sunderland fans love.
He was a hell of a signing, so whoever made that call, take a bow, even if it was one of the chancers. I don't get much right with players, I just watch, shout, hope and enjoy. But I did say to my lads in his first season that there was something about Luke that could see him playing in the Premier League. Hopefully he does it with us.
Not sure if this has been posted anywhere. This person apparently slipped on the concourse at half time, injured themselves and missed the rest of the game.
The world would be a lot better place if there were more Luke O'Nien's. A simple gesture, but one he didn't have to do....he just wanted to. Love the lad.
One for @marcusblackcat to work with Baby, take me down to Luke's Place Wildest box in town is Luke's Place Love that Mackem sound in Duke's Place Saxes do their tricks in Duke's Place Fellas swing their chicks in Duke's Place Come on, get your kicks in Duke's Place You find yourself a seat, and when you want to eat You look around and yell, ?Waiter? You fill your cup chock full of dreams and drink it up You're jetting along with your girlie It's after three o'clock, but baby, it's early If you've never been to Duke's Place Take your tootsies into Duke's Place Life is in a spin in Duke's Place Baby, take me down to Duke's Place Wildest box in town is Duke's Place Love that piano sound in Duke's Place Saxes do their tricks in Duke's Place Fellas swing their chicks in Duke's Place Come on, get your kicks in Duke's Place