Newcastle Finalises Plans On Shola Ameobi Testimonial

Newcastle United “plans to mark Shola Ameobi’s length of service”, but is yet to formalise its plans for the Nigerian’s final send forth, according to the minutes of a Fan Forum meeting released on Wednesday, 14 May.

Ameobi, 32, who made his Newcastle first team debut in September 2000 against Sunderland, is out of contract in the summer.

“The club (Newcastle) confirmed it does plan to mark the player’s (Ameobi’s) length of service to Newcastle United but has not yet discussed its plans internally or with the player,” the minute reads.

The World Cup-bound Super Eagles striker was shown two yellow cards in the space of ten seconds- the second of the bookings for dissent- as the ‘Magpies’ lost their final game of the 2013/14 season to Liverpool.

Shola Ameobi Celebrates Scoring at St. James' Park in What Could Become His Final Home Game for His Career-Long Team.
Shola Ameobi Celebrates Scoring at St. James’ Park in What Could Become His Final Home Game for His Career-Long Team.

Sunday’s 2-1 loss to the Premier League runners-up could well turn out to be the veteran’s final appearance for the club; the same game in which he received his first red card of his career.

“People who know me know I don’t swear and that I am not abusive,” Ameobi said, following Sunday afternoon’s incident at Anfield.

“If this is my last game for Newcastle then it isn’t the way I would have liked to go out. I’m quite upset by it.”

Ameobi had been left dumbfounded after referee Phil Dowd issued his marching order but the St. James’ Park outfit are believed to be finalising plans for the perfect send forth party for their dedicated servant, who has scored 53 league goals in 311 appearances.

Aside loan spell at Stoke City in the second half of the 2007/08 season, Ameobi has featured for Newcastle since joining the club’s youth setup in July 1997.

Meanwhile, Alan Pardew will remain manager of the Tyneside club, also according to the minute.

Pardew, who is the second longest-serving manager in the English league, led the side to a tenth-place finish in the just concluded campaign.

“In addressing the document (consigning Pardew’s future), the board stated that Alan Pardew (AP) will remain the club’s manager,” the minute read.

“The board stated that incorrect media reports which claimed Newcastle United contacted other individuals about the manager position were in the hands of the club’s legal team.”