Inspirational Bradley made fans forget their bitter rivalries
lot more than Newcastle did - but I wanted to play in that famous black and white shirt for an historic club.
Unfortunately, I think money plays more of a role now than it did then, agents clouding the judgement of their clients.
The longer a deal drags on for, the more likely it is an agent will look elsewhere in order to get better terms for themselves and their player too.
What Ashley and Newcastle need to do is just pay the money as soon as Rafa identifies he needs a specific player.
Benitez and his team are working tirelessly behind the scenes identifying players.
I know that for a fact.
What they need now is to be backed properly financially.
Over to you, Mr Ashley. Mick Quinn IT was immensely sad news to hear that Bradley Lowery had died last week.
That young lad symbolised the very best of human spirit – and he was courageous right through until the end.
He captured the imagination of the football world and he has done so much to raise awareness – and cash – for neuroblastoma.
I was actually back in the North East on Friday at a talk-in at Hedworth Hall in South Shields and it was extremely emotional, just hours after news had filtered through that Bradley had died.
A photo of Bradley was projected on to the big screen and candles were placed in front of it.
We were all given the opportunity to light those candles, and I was given the privilege of being able to walk to the front first and light one.
We also held a minute’s silence for Bradley and sang songs honouring his life.
Remember, this was a room full of more than 150 Newcastle United fans. There may be a bitter rivalry between Newcastle and Sunderland, but cancer unites us all.
Bradley has captured the hearts and minds of the entire public, not just Sunderland supporters.
Unfortunately, given the condition he had, Bradley’s death had been inevitable for a while – but he has achieved so much and provided hope to thousands of other children who are suffering.
Awareness has been raised and cash has been donated.
Jermain Defoe also showed what a class act he was during his friendship and time spent with Bradley. He really helped to give that lad strength and it is clear Jermain has been genuinely devastating by Bradley’s passing.
But Bradley has left a legacy and I was so proud to be have been able to light that first candle for him last Friday.
What an inspirational lad he was – and is.