On Monday we learned some truly devastating news as former NUFC midfielder Cheick Tiote tragically passed away at the age of 30, following a heart attack whilst training for his new club in China.
The news has not only left the whole of Newcastle United in mourning, but sent shockwaves through the entire footballing world, with tributes flying in from across the globe from all who knew him.
Cheick was a warrior on the field and a obsessional trainer off it, but above all else a fun loving man who was clearly adored by so many of his former teammates.
Here we pay tribute to Tiote, celebrating his greatest moments at Newcastle United:
His monstrous debut
Tiote signed from FC Twente for £3.5m in August 2010 and a month later made his Newcastle United debut in a 1-0 win at Goodison park. Upon signing I knew next to nothing about the Ivorian midfielder, but 90 minutes after watching him for the first time, I was sure we’d picked up a gem of a player.
The game may be remembered for Hatem Ben Arfa’s long range winner, but Tiote’s outstanding debut display was equally impressive.
He single handedly bossed the midfield that day, recovering the ball on endless occasions, winning his battles and if I remember rightly, he did not misplace a single pass all game. Without doubt one of the most impressive all-round defensive-midfield performances of the last decade at NUFC.
The goal that will go down in history
His last minute wonder goal to complete the 4-4 comeback from 4-0 down against Arsenal was single handedly the best moment I’ve every experienced at SJP.
It was Tiote’s one and only goal at the club over his six and a half year stay, but one that will go down in Premier League history:
Manchester United masterclass
January 2012. Cheick Tiote’s superb season had seen him linked with a big money moves to the Chelsea and Manchester United.
That month, he then produced one of his greatest performances in black and white, helping Newcastle to a 3-0 win over the very team tracking him – Manchester United.
Wayne Rooney didn’t get a kick:
Cheick Tiote & Yohan Cabaye – a match made in heaven
Our 5th place finish in 2011/12 was a special season. The class of Coloccini at the back, the match winning ability of Hatem Ben Arfa and the goal machines that were Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse were highlights, but the midfield duo of Cheick Tiote and Yohan Cabaye was perhaps our biggest asset.
They were a match made in heaven and were quite possibly the best central midfield partnership in the Premier League that season.
When Tiote and Cabaye made mugs out of Man Utd #nufc pic.twitter.com/dmseO42Bwd
— Lee Robson (@LeeRobson23) June 5, 2017
THAT disallowed goal
It seems when Tiote scored, he only did wonder goals!
This should’ve been the equaliser in a game we went on to lose 2-0 at home to Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City. I’ve never went so delirious after a goal that ended up being chalked off!
His competitive edge and will to win
So many of his tributes make reference to what a formidable opponent and fierce competitor he was.
These clips show just how much it meant to him..
Putting everything on the line for his team
Following his death, Steve McClaren desribed Tiote as the ‘toughest player’ he had ever seen.
This footage highlights this quite perfectly – he’d do whatever it took to win that ball back:
If ever a video summer up Cheik Tiote… pic.twitter.com/VqkLV4ndqr
— NUFC Online (@NUFC_Online) February 6, 2016
Most blokes try and protect their bollocks when playing football. Tiote used to use them to tackle with… #NUFC #RIPTiote pic.twitter.com/Y4vx63TOEf
— NUFC Online (@NUFC_Online) June 6, 2017
Tiote’s time for the fans
This clip shows Tiote being presented with an award for Player of the Year by ‘Toon Army Dallas’, after the Ivory Coast defeated El Salvador 2-1 in a pre-World Cup friendly in Frisco, Texas.
Tiote was said to be shy off the pitch, but this precious footage shows how he always had time for his adoring Newcastle fans:
Rest in peace, Cheick. Taken before your time, but remembered with fond memories by us all here at NUFC.
Don’t know on this one mate,he is 100% grafter for sure mind he was given a lot of room to work,to much IMO
Icedog(Quote)
Ime still hoping for a good play maker as we need one badly,just hope it’s not the Everton lad I just don’t rate him,he’s a dirty git and very injury prone I’ve had enough of sick notes
Icedog(Quote)
Fulham manager says we won’t get Cairney even for 20 mil not worth that much for a un-tried PL player
Icedog(Quote)
Ice – forget his discipline or injuries, I just don’t rate him that highly as a player – and Everton are talking something like £20m!! ? jog on.
I wouldn’t put him in ahead of Hayden personally.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ice – not a chance at £20m like. £10-12m maybe – maybe hoy some add ons in if he does well, but no way £20m for me like.
I would personally go for Will Hughes from Derby if Fulham are playing that game. I think he’s a real tidy young player.
Sharpy17(Quote)
100% agree mate
icedog(Quote)
aye not a bad player at the right price like
icedog(Quote)
Fulham are deluded
kimtoon(Quote)
Sharpy I agree with you mate. Its speculation. Fulham probably want 20 million for him but would be willing to settle for 10-13 million. If the asking price is to high Rafa and the board will look else where.
Stem(Quote)
Imo I don’t think they will go up next season,maybe in the playoffs, the lad is 27 now he’s not going to get many shots at the PL at his age he will be 28 soon,have a feeling he may put in transfer req
Icedog(Quote)
Let’s try and find a club for Colback. Get him off the wage bill.
Stem(Quote)
Not forgetting Siem De Jong and Saviet. Sel’s possibly a loan move because no club is going to 5 million for him.
Stem(Quote)
Ime with you all the way with that one
Icedog(Quote)
do we really want McCarthy too, don’t really rate him and defo not at £20m if reports are true. Transfer market values him at £12.7m
kimtoon(Quote)
So Reina asks his club for three year contract to stay?
Icedog(Quote)
I will be very un-happy if we sign him at any price mate
Icedog(Quote)
Icedog I think we will have to sell before we before we buy mate. Krul will have to go before we ge Reina in. Mitrovic will have to make way for are main striker. This is still Ashleys club.
Stem(Quote)
So Mike Ashley is considering all his options due to “significant” and “genuine” interest from a Chinese investor who wants to buy the club. If he gets his price he will be gone. He doesn’t need this and I have always thought he’d be gone if we got promoted. Interesting times…
Stuart79(Quote)
Just had a SSN alert pop up on my phone saying the Chinese are looking to buy NUFC ?
Either a very quiet day for news in SS HQ, or our prays may be about to get answered
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy – I’m always sceptical about “consortiums” as they may all have different ideas and may not be aligned with each other in terms of their ambitions and how to reach them. On the flip side it couldn’t mean there’s lots of cash between them…
Stuart79(Quote)
On and don’t be surprised if the Qataris join the fun too. I wouldn’t mind them they’re loaded!
Stuart79(Quote)
I worry about any perspective new owners after this one, there are some really dodgy folk taking over clubs lately.
Maybe it’s why we haven’t spent yet ?
Would they want Rafa and the club colours
kimtoon(Quote)
Stu – how long have we had our new Chinese sponsors?
It’s taken around 3-4wks to find a Chinese consortium now that door has been opened
Sharpy17(Quote)
Could that be the real reason why transfers have started slow?!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
i said a few months ago on here that the chinese were sniffing around the club,just waiting to see if we got up,looks like i could be right
icedog(Quote)
This might just be one of those ‘be careful what you wish for’ moments.
I strongly believe there’s trouble brewing for football and the growing Chinese connections.
And I wouldn’t let the Qataris near us at all! Loaded or not.
Needless to say I’m not an Ashley sympathiser either but we do remain one of the few English clubs not in foreign hands.
georgio(Quote)
Chinese consortiums in PL not a great success so far. Would rather stick with the Ashley Rafa combination and see how that goes. Better the devil you know even if it is some devil.
Groucho(Quote)
This could be a bit further down the line than anybody knows. Interesting which side leaked it too…likely NUFC side.
Stuart79(Quote)
Or it is all a load of bollocks. If it isn’t far down the line then I doubt it will happen as finding out so early wouldn’t usually happen.
Stuart79(Quote)
the chinese bought Milan and are spending ship loads on players,but if true its bloody bad timing
icedog(Quote)
My worry is that this has slowed down transfers, surely this can’t be jabba’s way of not outlaying any cash all window ?
kimtoon(Quote)
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Not sure Rafa will be overly pleased with potential investor talk distracting from job at hand. He wants recruits, & he wants them now #nufc
kimtoon(Quote)
The guy from China is worth 31.5 billion 😯 😯
Icedog(Quote)
The telegraph reckon its more likely to be investors taking a slice of the club as opposed to outright buying it.
They also say Rafa was informed by Ashley about this in their meeting and Rafa was given assurances about funds. He is said to be relaxed about the whole thing.
I dont think any new investor or owner would be daft enough to move Rafa on.
shamrock(Quote)
I know Kyle Walker is a good player, but over £40m for a full back? The market is going crazy and our quoted budget of 70 -80 mil is looking like a pittance. I do worry that the squad is still.going to desperately lacking any kind of quality in depth come the beginning of the season. Can see it being harder going than many people think.
shamrock(Quote)
Yeah mate, this hasn’t just happened over night. Like I say, no coincidence that our new sponsors are Chinese and it’s the Chinese that are looking to invest/buy.
Charnley or whoever was tasked with getting new sponsors were clearly tasked to put the feelers out weren’t they?!.
I don’t see it having any impact on Rafa or the playing side, but I think there will be changes in the boardroom – even if it’s just investment. They will want some of their own men in to oversee things.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sham – that’s why I’m so surprised Anita was released. I’m not saying he’s class, but he’s certainly a useful player to have in the squad IMO.
I think Walker and Rose are 2 of the best full backs in the world at the moment and are a big reason why Spurs perform as well as they do. But if Walker is £40m – how much would they want for Kane ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Prices really are getting stupid now. £30m for Pickford? I’d rather have Reina for £4m! Or indeed Woodman for nowt!
georgio(Quote)
£30m for Pickford is off its tits!!.
But let Everton crack on. If they are shelling out that much for a keeper, their budget won’t go far.
But there again, if someone is daft enough to give them £20m for McCarthy then they will have money to waste I guess.
They have young Calvert-Lewin & Lookman on their books. Both looked really good in the U20s, so many Koeman has plans to bring them through this season and save a few quid on buying players.
Sharpy17(Quote)
We don’t have $ to strengthen the squad. I am afraid we are going to relegate again. It can’t be worse. I welcome foreign investors to join with my open arms.
funrafa(Quote)
not much happening for us is there? We really ought to be bringing guys in now, need a good pre season to gel. Hope this investment malarkey doesn’t effect our ability to bring players in.
kimtoon(Quote)
The fixtures come out tomorrow. I predict Man U away for opening day and Man City away on Boxing Day.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
My hope is that we get some investors but Ashley keeps the majority stake for now. He finally seems to understand that the Manager is the most important job at the club – not Chairman, not chief scout and not head coach.
Palace got 100 million for 36% of their club. I know they are in London but they are still a shitty little club with a shitty little ground. I wouldn’t mind doing a deal like that and with the current valuation a third of the club would cost about 140 million. That might sound a lot but I read something yesterday that that is roughly what Deli Alli is valued at now.
Anyway, that would allow us to see what sort of people the new investors are and the Fat Man could take some of it, say half, to pay off a bit of his loan. Then Rafa could have the other 70 million to buy a star player like Morata. I KNOW I AM DREAMING 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Seriously, I think we need a Shearer moment. Someone to elevate the club to “contender” status. Rafa can do some wheeling and dealing for 10-20 million (the new 5 million) but we really need a superstar. Traditionally at NUFC that has been our number 9 but Gayle and Mitro will never be in that elite group. A statement signing like Shearer was, or Keegan was would give Ashley a boost with the crowd.
Don’t laugh but I think we could get Morata or James from Madrid. Sure they would prefer Man U but it wasn’t that long ago that we used to compete at that level. Plus the new investors would like a statement signing to put us back on the map.
What was that!!! The alarm clock going off to wake me from my dream?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I know I am dreaming but Boro got Juninho FFS, West Ham got Di Canio and Chelsea when they were **** got Zola.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
England same old same old,waste of time watching them
Icedog(Quote)
yep, under 20’s far more enjoyable to watch.
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – they could teach the seniors a thing or 2 about passing & control as well!!. That was a horrible watch and even with 10 men France were completely in control – they have some really exciting young players there like – I see them winning Euros and WCs over the next 10-12yrs personally.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I know it was just a friendly, and it was good for Heaton, Butland and Trippier to get game time.
But Sterling is just ****!! and IMO he is not good enough for international football.
Also, what the hell was he thinking putting Oxlade-Chamberlain in central midfield with Dier. We have plenty of very good, very competent central midfielders to be putting wingers in there IMO.
I know it’s a friendly and it’s trying things out – but it’s a new manager with new tactics, playing a new formation to what the national team is used to.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: what did Southgate ever do to get appointed in the first place? Got relegated with Boro? Knocked out in the group stages of the England U21s?
Big Fat Sam would be more qualified and he also won nowt in his career.
Or McClaren – he was only the coach, Fergusson did the Managing.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
We have a pretty easy start to the season.
I got Man City on boxing day correct 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Not a bad start at all apart from the opening day. Poch is still smarting from that 5-1!
Southgate? Anybody who uses Ali as a left winger is just stupid and I agree Sterling is less than average.
georgio(Quote)
And just when are we going to get incoming deals done? June 13th now!
georgio(Quote)
According to The Independent NUFC offered 20 million for Tom Cairney and were turned down. He is 26 and has played for Hull, Blackburn and Fulham in The Championship. Never the PL. He turns 27 in January.
It is extremely uncommon for a journeyman to make it in the PL at that age. Jamie Vardy is about the only one who has done really well. We have players at Swansea that did OK and Dwight Gayle might be a middle of the pack striker.
What I am saying is the same as Sharpy said earlier – this is totally nuts now.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It’s a bit weird that we play West Ham twice before we play Man City. I know we play teams in a different order from the first half to the second half, but I thought they always made sure to divide the schedule into even halves in terms of who each team plays. Not a huge deal, I guess, but I find that odd.
I’m starting to get anxious about transfers, but trying to keep in mind that the window doesn’t actually open for another two weeks or so. Also, if Fulham are demaning more than £20m for Cairney, what can you do? If they feel like he makes their team better than what they could get for £20m on the open market, then fair play to them. It’ll be interesting to see what happens if he hands in a transfer request.
Charlie Prince(Quote)
I was reading on the FA website this morning that they split the season into 5 blocks, rather than a simple 2. Maybe. it’s too complex to understand
Premandup(Quote)
Everything the FA do is too complex to understand. I’ve just found out there’s an international break in August. August for God’s sake!
I really hope the rumours on Cairney are incorrect. The guy is nothing more than a decent championship player and sometimes not even that. It does seem that even the rumours are drying up such is the apparent inactivity from SJP.
Henry Onyekuru looks an exciting prospect but that’s in the Belgian league so who knows.
georgio(Quote)
Henry Onyekuru – £8m seems cheap to me.
georgio(Quote)
Shocking that the residents of Grenfell towers had all raised concerns, many in writing that they believed it posed a serious fire hazard only to be ignored.
kimtoon(Quote)
More than Just Ignored. Boris closed 3 fire stations in the area and blocked the requirements to fit sprinklers.
Premandup(Quote)
Wow, that’s really poor Prem. A lot of very serious questions need answering after this, time to end the cut backs to emergency services. Pictures of exhausted fire men and women yesterday and while we were all speculating whether the tower would collapse, they were still inside rescuing folk. Total heroes everyone.
kimtoon(Quote)
Any chance of a new thread guy’s ?
kimtoon(Quote)
Rumours regarding Chris Smailing. A big NO from me. Past experience should tell us to keep away from Man U cast-offs. Many Man U players are often rated higher than they should be simply because they play for Man U. Look at the England selections over the years. If the tea lady put on a Man U shirt she would be an automatic selection for England. Much good has it done us.
Groucho(Quote)
bloody strange do*s going on for me the Spanish club saying toon have not come back to finish the deal for Florian Lejeune,hope this is nowt to do with take-over ***** and money being held back can see us missing out again on players
icedog(Quote)
Here here!!. Not much going on transfer wise, but the take over & fixture list is surely enjoy to inspire a new article.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I would do a quickie but off to a funeral shortly so can’t .
kimtoon(Quote)
Ice – I agree, it’s a real strange one that and you can only draw the conclusion that it’s the takeover/invest that has slowed things down.
Alternatively, that investment now allows us to go for Rafas first choice and this lad was a back up if you like.
Either way, I would have expected/hoped we would have been further on with new signings by now.
It looks like Leicester are about to sign Maguire for £17m as well.
Sharpy17(Quote)
kim – yeah but what about the article ??
(Not sure how appropriate that is knowing you’re heading to a funeral, sorry)
Sharpy17(Quote)
New thread please! It’s been 8 days!
Re: Smalling. Massive NO from me too. Overrated, poor positioning.
Lots of talk we are going after Lucas. Fingers crossed. Would be a great signing.
shamrock(Quote)
Yeah I wouldn’t thank you for Smalling like. But I reckon WHU or Everton are the types of clubs to shell out on false ‘talent’.
I’ve read Lucas could be got for £4m – that’s a bargain IMO.
If Reina come see in around the same price, then that’s some great experience and quality for less than £10m
Sharpy17(Quote)
Lucas for £4m would be a great deal
kimtoon(Quote)
Just to show how hard and mad this window is going to be – Jordan Pickford has joined Everton for £30m!!!! He’s played one season in the PL!
These figures are just crazy!
Stuart79(Quote)
I was just thinking about last summer. As far as I remember there no links to Sels, Ritchie, Hayden, Gayle, Clark. First we knew about it they were holding up the shirt. Maybe it’ll be like that this year. Still trust Rafa!
georgio(Quote)
What happened to Krul’s valuation? Press were talking 15 million a couple of years ago. I know he had the injury and had made a couple of errors in that season but he is still a good shot stopper and just needs to trust his knee again.
Should we let him fight it out with Elliot, with Woodman as backup?
Darlow always looks a bit nervy and that he might have a mistake in him and Sels seems to have lost Rafa’s confidence. Those are the 2 I would sell, but I wouldn’t be that fussed if Rafa chose Darlow over Krul as long as we got a fee for Timmy.
Really though, I am pretty happy with the goalkeeper position except we have too many of them. Therefore, I don’t see the point in Reina.
AND, Pickford just went for double the price of England’s current number 1 (who shouldn’t be though, it should be Butland).
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It would be pretty easy to start a new thread. Olly could just convert one of the news threads into a discussion thread.
This one has got too many videos implanted so it takes an age to load.
Eric Sykes(Quote)