Foluwashola Ameobi aka ‘The Mackem Slayer’ is something of a cult hero at Newcastle United. His nickname coming from his knack of scoring against rivals Sunderland. He scored 7 goals in his 16 appearances against the Mackems, second only at the time to the record of the great Jackie Milburn. ‘It was just destiny’ he told the Guardian newspaper after leaving the club and in speaking of his love affair with Newcastle United, a club he had been at as man and boy.

In 2002 Shola would also etch his name into Newcastle’s history further, scoring the equaliser at the Camp Nou against the mighty Barcalona. Newcastle would go on to lose that one but for the travelling fans on the night it was a moment to savour.

He joined Newcastle in 1997 and made his way through the youth set up. His farther being a pastor in Newcastle. He was later joined by his younger brother Sammy at the club, In truth he was seldom the first choice striker at the Magpies, making his 14 years of loyal service and 79 goals in all competitions all the more impressive.

On leaving Newcastle United he was the clubs second highest scorer in Europe ever, with 15 goals in 51 games.

On the International stage he reverted to his roots, gaining 10 full caps for Nigeria and scoring twice, after playing his youth level international football with England.