A life which had come so far cut so cruelly short
Christmas tragedy CHEICK TIOTE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BY NEWCASTLE FANS
TWO people have appeared in court after a Wearside man was killed in an alleged hit-and-run on Christmas Eve.
Liam Rogerson, 28, died in a collision with a black Vauxhall Corsa in Crossways Boulevard, Greenhithe, at around 6pm on Christmas Eve last year.
He had just arrived in Kent to spend the festive period with his sister Faye and younger brother Niall.
Jamie Burchell-Reeves, 22, of Wakefield Road, Greenhithe, and Sophie Jane Clarke, 20, of Medway Road, Crayford, were arrested.
Both appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court this week, with Burchell-Reeves accused of failing to stop after a road accident, failing to report the accident, causing death by dangerous driving and being uninsured or unlicensed at the time of the accident. Clarke was accused of dangerous driving and allowing Burchell-Reeves to use the vehicle without insurance and a licence. CHEICK Tiote 1986-2017.
He came a long way in a short time. Today, we look back on the life of the footballer, who died aged just 30.
How did a boy from Yamoussoukro end up stealing the hearts of Newcastle United fans?
As he wheeled away in celebration after scoring one of the most memorable goals in Newcastle United’s history, Cheick Tiote could have been forgiven for looking back on how far he had come.
Born in Yamoussoukro in the Ivory Coast, Tiote played football barefoot in the streets because he could not afford a pair of boots.
One of 10 children, he was born into extreme poverty but through a mix of natural talent and hard work he forged a career that took him around the world.
Tiote played the game in Belgium, Holland, England and eventually China, where he collapsed and died during a training session last week. He was aged just 30. Tiote got his career breakthrough when Belgian side Anderlecht spotted him playing for Ivorian minor league side FC Bibo and offered him a three-year contract.
It was the start of what would be a stellar career in European football.
After Belgium he moved to Holland, where he played under former England and Newcastle coach Steve McClaren at FC Twente.
He won the Dutch league, played in Europe and showed himself capable of performing on the highest stage.
By the time Newcastle came calling in 2010, a host of clubs were chasing his signature but he chose a £3.5m move to Tyneside.
He would spend six-and-a-half years in black and white, making 139 appearances for the club.
His private life sometimes made headlines on the front pages instead of the back ones. Reports emerged suggesting he had married more than once.