Monday, 28th April, 2014
Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has praised club veteran Shola Ameobi’s leadership skills, and has backed him to become a manager.
The Nigerian international, a product of the cub’s youth system, has made 309 league appearances for the St. James' Park outfit since making his debut in 2000. He scored his first goal after almost 16 months during his side’s 2-1 loss to Swansea City last week, as they suffered their fifth straight defeat this season.
The 32-year-old was in the news recently for strongly suggesting that the club need to sign new players in the next transfer window, and Pardew feels that Ameobi has the potential to be involved with the club beyond his playing days.
“He is a very important leader. He is a player who is going to have a huge future on the coaching and managerial front himself”, the Englishman was quoted as saying by ITV.
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“He has had great experience here. You have to remember, he has experienced the real heady days under [Sir] Bobby [Robson] and some disappointing days as well.
“He has seen it all and that gives him great experience for this particular club, and that's why he is very, very important in my changing room”, the 52-year-old added.
Currently ninth in the Premier League, Newcastle United will be hoping to strike a better note when they face fourth-placed Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium today.
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