Carrick gives plenty back

IN the North East those who played for the fabled Wallsend Boys Club and went on to better things are celebrated. Alan Shearer, Peter Beardsley and Steve Bruce are among them. But speak to people at the club — still going after 115 years — about who has consistently made the most effort to give something back over the years and they will tell you it is Michael Carrick. As a young player at West Ham, Carrick (left) regularly used to drive north after games to hand out prizes to boys at Wallsend presentation nights.

So we should not be surprised that the Manchester United assistant manager set aside the disappointment of defeat at Newcastle a week ago to open a new pitch along with Shearer the next day.

Some footballers make a big fuss about the noble things they do in their spare time. Others proceed much more quietly. We know which we prefer.