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Ameobi: I would love senior coaching position

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Cult Newcastle United hero Shola Ameobi has admitted he would love a senior role among the club’s coaching staff after helping out with the academy following his retirement.

The former Magpies striker, who earned the nickname ‘The Mackem Slayer’ among the Toon Army for his goals scored against fierce north east rivals Sunderland, has hung up his boots after a stint at Notts County and is now doing part time work with the youngsters at St James’ Park.

However, he confirmed he would love a more permanent and senior role behind the scenes, having helped out even when he was a player.

He told the Chronicle: “The Academy stuff is something I have always done.  Even when I was a player I would go down in the afternoons to the Academy. If the Academy and club hadn’t invested in me I wouldn’t be where I am.

“I enjoy the coaching and engaging with the kids and do everything I can to help them on and off the pitch to be adults. That is something I will always do and what I’m about it. There will always be a part of me for Newcastle United if they want me.

“It’s something I’d love to see where it goes and if I can play a part in helping the club I’m all in.”

Opinion

You can see the jokes coming from a mile off about how Newcastle’s young strikers are going to get worse with Ameobi coaching them. The former Magpie,as liked as he was by supporters, was never all that prolific up front and you can imagine the Toon Army would rather have someone like Alan Shearer, Andy Cole or Les Ferdinand teaching the next generation how to stick the ball in the back of the net. Still, there is no doubting Ameobi’s commitment to the cause, not to mention the fact he is a very down to earth individual, and Newcastle’s youngsters would no doubt be taught all about the importance of a strong work ethic. Whether the club can find a place for him remains to be seen but you know the fans would love to see the backroom staff made up of former St James’ Park stars in the future – as well as Rafael Benitez of course.

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