SAMMY REPAYING TROTTERS’ TRUST
IT’S sometimes all too easy to label Sammy Ameobi languid or lackadaisical, but the former Newcastle winger insists he’ll be no slouch when it comes to aiding the Bolton cause this season.
After all, with one superb flash of his left foot, the 25year-old ended the Trotters’ miserable 13-hour goal drought and set Phil Parkinson’s side on their way to a long-awaited first win of the season over Sheffield Wednesday last weekend.
Ameobi readily admits his summer return to Bolton on a free transfer was the lifeline he needed after he was released by boyhood club Newcastle.
Having spent the first half of last term on loan with the Trotters in League One, he was recalled by the Magpies in January but made just four substitute appearances before the end of the season.
Confidence
Manager Parkinson has already left a big impression on the skilful wide man.
And Ameobi is determined to repay the faith shown in him as Bolton attempt to find their feet in the Championship once again.
“He was a massive part of rebuilding my confidence when I came from Newcastle on loan last year,” said the former England Under-21 international, who has since declared for Nigeria.
“I was told I’d never play for Newcastle again and was just low on confidence. I’d just come back from a hernia operation and I wasn’t very fit.
“Phil was patient with me, as were the other players and the fans, and I’m very grateful for it.
“All that helped build my confidence, so when the opportunity came to come back I felt like I owed so much to Bolton Wanderers and the manager.
“Hopefully, I can repay that this season.
“I think my style of play can just be very lackadaisical-looking, but it’s just the kind of person I am.
“I’m very purposeful, though, and I’m not lazy – and he understands that. The gaffer has got a lot of trust in me and I appreciate that.”
Like his older brother Shola, Ameobi rose through the ranks at Newcastle – he was born in the city – and his passion for St James’ Park isn’t likely to die down anytime soon.
Amanda Staveley’s mooted takeover of the Magpies has also pricked up his ears, but Ameobi is well aware his loyalties lie elsewhere now.
“I think it’s a great thing (Newcastle owner Mike Ashley potentially selling the club). We’ll see what happens, but whatever does happen I’ll be supporting from afar,” he said.
“Newcastle’s my home. It’s where I grew up and it’s where I fell in love with football, watching my older brother play for Newcastle, so I’ll always have love for them.
Compared
“But it’s a career. I’ve moved on now and I’m very much thinking about Bolton Wanderers and what we can do.
“I spoke to Bolton soon after coming back to Newcastle in January. A lot of it was riding on Bolton getting promoted and, thankfully, they did. I was obviously happy to come back here.”
Having come off the bench to make his professional debut alongside Shola, now with Notts County, in 2011, Ameobi’s career is always likely to be compared to the 36year-old’s achievements.
The Bolton man is certain that he couldn’t have a better role model, though.
“Shola’s had a magnificent career and I’m so proud of what he’s achieved,” said Ameobi, who also has another brother Tomi, 29, who plays for Edmonton in Canada.
“Playing in the Premier League for 13 years is no small feat. Hopefully, it’s something I can emulate.”