team mates
Charlie Wyke Sunderland Foward
Best mate?
That’s Max Power. We’ve had a few trips to Vegas, and we’ve got a few videos and good stories from those! I didn’t know him until he signed for Sunderland, but we get on really well and he’s probably one of the lads I look to for advice in the squad, too.
Last to buy dinner?
I’d say Jon McLaughlin, the goalkeeper. He’s one of the tightest people I’ve met. There was a time when I was late for training and he had travelled in with me. We’ve got a wheel you can spin to gamble on the fine you get, or you can pay a blanket £200. I got badly stitched up and had to pay £800 and he saw that and refused to spin.
Worst dressed?
Luke O’Nien comes in with some debatable gear on and he likes matching up the training kit with his own top. He used to get stick, but I don’t think he cares what anyone thinks or what he dresses in, so fair play to him. If he wants to dress horrifically, he can!
Dressing room DJ?
Craig Russell, the masseur, has all the clubland classics. If he’s not there it’s Dylan McGeouch who likes all that music as well, so it’s between those two.
Always late for training?
Everyone’s pretty good which is a bit of a shame because the kitty for the Christmas party would go up if more people were late! Conor McLaughlin stands out for being so late once that the rest of us had already headed out for the warm-up, which was probably the worst I’ve seen in my career.
Teacher’s pet?
Luke O’Nien again. He’s just one of those blokes who’s too nice and he’s always going to get on with the manager because he works so hard. Phil Parkinson’s not been at Sunderland long, but they seem to have a really good relationship already.
First on the dancefloor?
That’s Max Power. We had a night out a few weeks ago and he was the first up there throwing shapes. You can’t get him off the dancefloor! He’s always going up to the DJ as well getting them to put his song on, and when he gets his own tunes on there’s no stopping him.
Most likely to disgrace themselves at the Christmas party?
I’d have to say me and Max Power.
Once we’ve had a few pints, anything can happen! We’re quite similar and that’s why we get on so well. We’ve just booked the Christmas party so I’m looking forward to seeing what happens!
Best at FIFA?
Tom Flanagan’s the worst player I’ve ever seen, and I’ve got to say that I’m the best. We’ve got a FIFA squad and Max Power brings a little kit with him on the team bus. We play for hours on the way to games.
Worst tattoo?
That’s Max Power again. He’s got a tribal thing on his left bicep and it’s one of the worst tattoos I’ve ever seen. It’s one of those that you think looks class when you’re about 14 but he knows it’s rubbish and he’s always trying to hide it by wearing long sleeves.
Best future manager?
That’s got to be the skipper, Grant Leadbitter. With the career he’s had – he’s been in the Premier League and been promoted and relegated – he’s experienced a lot, and he’s coming to an age now where he’s probably looking at management or coaching in the near future.