The Poolie Bunker

To Horden CW for the big kick-off where - Keane of a treat - we hear the story of the player who twice button-holed the oft serious-sided Sunderland manager.

Afolabi Shekoni - Foli to his team mates - has signed for Horden alongside fellow Nigerian Chikone Egbe. Both are students at Durham University.

It's in Durham Market Place that Foli recognises Roy Keane, asks for a trial and is in turn asked if he's any good. Foli (unsurprisingly) replies that he is, is asked for his telephone number and told someone will be in touch.
advertisement

Six weeks later, having heard nothing, he again spots the Irishman in Durham city centre. "You promised me a trial," he says, politely.

Keane again asks for his number and says that someone will definitely be in touch this time. The club calls the following day to arrange a fortnight's trial.

Foli - "a lovely lad and a very good player," says Horden chairman Norman Stephens - scores twice in pre-season friendlies but suffers a toe injury and isn't offered a contract.

He was out injured on Saturday, but Hartlepool are now said to be showing an interest. It's as they say in Horden, if not in Abuja or Cork: shy bairns get nee sweets.