Shola Ameobi to coach Newcastle

Nigerian International Shola Ameobi may be in line to join the coaching crew of Newcastle under the guidance of Alan Pardew after the manager hinted at a coaching role for the Kogi born star. The 32-year-old has spent his entire footballing career yet with the Magpies and is set to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of June. The former Newcastle academy graduate score a total of 79 goals for the Magpies in 397 appearances in his 14-years for the club but in the just concluded season he netted just two goals the entire season. “Shola will go down as having been a very important person for this football club.” "I hope, one day, that they bring him back. His professionalism, and the way he articulates himself, is something he should be very proud of.” Pardew told theSunderland Echo The forward has been liked with a move to Queens Park Rangers and Hull City but any deal may have to wait until after the Brazil 2014 World Cup as the big striker looks a sure bet to represent Nigeria at the Mundial. The African Champions begin their campaign against Iran on June 16, after which they play Bosnia Herzegovina and Argentina in Group F.