OUR 1-HIT WONDER

CHEICK TIOTE 1986-2017 Tiote rocket so special for Toon

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CHEICK TIOTE scored just one goal in 151 games for Newcastle.

But it was a goal which became one of the most iconic scored at St James’ Park.

Memories of Tiote’s stunning volley against Arsenal on February 5, 2011, will serve as a lasting tribute to the Ivory Coast international.

It capped a remarkable comeback by Alan Pardew’s side, who trailed 4-0 at half-time before scoring four times after the break with Tiote smashing home a stunning 30-yard volley in the dying minutes to earn the unlikeliest of draws.

The goal ensured that every time he took possession with the goal in his sights, the Toon Army would break into a chant of “Shoot! Shoot!”.

Tiote never managed to replicate his wonder goal, but he continued to earn approval for his fully committed displays in the Newcastle engine room.

Signed for a bargain £3.5m from Dutch outfit FC Twente, Tiote was instrumental in Newcastle ending that season in fifth, dominating the middle of the park with class and aggression.

Warrior

He picked up 15 bookings during his first season in English football, including a run of eight yellow cards in 11 games, and 14 the following year. But this owed more to a steely determination than any malice.

At one stage, it looked as if Tiote’s time on Tyneside would be short-lived, with Manchester United and Arsenal both keen on him, but he remained a fixture in the Newcastle midfield for the next four seasons before injuries hit him hard.

Tiote left Newcastle in February this year, moving to China where his close pal Papiss Cisse was playing.

Former Newcastle coach and manager John Carver stayed in touch with Tiote throughout his time in Beijing and was stunned by the news.

“I loved Cheick to bits. I’m absolutely devastated,” he said. “We spoke regularly and it’s only a couple of weeks ago that we last chatted.

“Cheick was a warrior on the pitch but a big kid off it. I’ll never forget that big smile of his.

“Fans and opponents will recall him as a footballer who was hard as nails, but those of us who knew him closely will remember him as a real softie and a lovely human being.”