Newcastle are revamping their academy setup, something that was one of Rafa Benitez’s key demands in his contract negotiations, and a surprise name has been mentioned for a role within it.
The Newcastle Chronicle report that Shola Ameobi could be given one of the coaching positions to be filled, with him having worked with the club’s youth sides before.
Ameobi was a cult figure during his playing days on Tyneside, with his knack of scoring against rivals Sunderland earning him the nickname The Mackem Slayer.
But he received a lot of criticism from fans earlier in the season when he was full of praise for the despised owner, Mike Ashley, during a stint as a studio guest on Sky Sports.
It is fair to say that fans have had a mixed reaction to the news, with many of them suggesting a link between those comments and the coaching position.
Here are a few of the comments:
Ah so thats why he was so nice about Ashley on Tele
— Tom Maltby (@TM13816) March 18, 2019
You cannot be serious
— David Singleton (@mindblower46) March 18, 2019
Jesus wept.
— TeemuAku (@AkuTeemu) March 18, 2019
Embarrassing
— chris (@chrisfalconer) March 18, 2019
I think he’ll do a great job! #sholafromfenham
— Graham Thompson (@Thoma69) March 18, 2019
This is getting a lot of hate but if you take the Mike Ashley comments thwt he made away, it makes a lot of sense. Knows what it takes to come through the ranks, intelligent down-to-earth fella who will help the youngsters. My gut instinct is that it makes a lot of sense
— Mr Michael (@MichaelMidd90) March 18, 2019
What are your thoughts Newcastle fans? Would Shola be a good choice to bring through young, local talent? Let us know…
