We Will Miss You Cheick Tiote, Football Will Miss You!
Newcastle United fans were left in genuine shock and disbelief on Monday after the sad news broke revealing Cheick Tiote’s death. The former Toon midfielder collapsed while training with his club, Beijing Enterprises in China, and subsequently passed away aged only 30.
The Ivory Coast international played 156 times for Newcastle scoring just once – but what a strike it was! In fact, Tiote is easily best known for the superb long-range left-footed volley that made it 4-4 against Arsenal in the amazing game in 2011 during which they were 4-0 down after less than half an hour.
Cheick began his career with minor league side FC Bibo before joining Belgian side Anderlecht back in 2005. The midfield powerhouse moved on loan to Roda JC in the Netherlands in 2007, after which he remained in the country, signing for FC Twente in the summer of 2008. Tiote was capped by the Ivory Coast in June 2009 and went on to make 55 appearances for the elephants.
Although he was only an unused sub for Newcastle’s home game against Blackpool when starting his time on Tyneside with Chris Hughton, Tiote’s first appearance for the club came at Everton when he was superb and immediately endeared himself to the travelling support. The Ivorian went on to play 26 league games in total that season before signing a six-year deal at the club.
The capture of Rafa Benitez as manager saw Cheick start Newcastle’s final six Premier League games of last season, remaining at the club despite interest from various overseas clubs. His first Championship game came in a draw at Aston Villa in September 2016 and he also started the two games against Birmingham City in the FA Cup.
At one stage it looked certain Tiote would join Sporting Gijon in Spain, although rumours of continued interest from clubs in China ultimately led to an offer from Beijing Enterprises Group and he was confirmed as their player in early February, remaining there until his tragic death this week.
Tributes were swiftly received from former colleagues, opponents and clubs around the world for Cheick and the Newcastle faithful were devastated. I myself fondly remember Sammy Ameobi showing his mobile phone, which, when it received a call from Tiote, would display the options “answer” or “die”!
Seeing Cheick walking around the Metrocentre near Newcastle, showing the then new signing Chancel Mbemba around the area with his beaming smile; it only showed the type of person he was – cheery, amiable, and gentlemanly. Those sentiments have been echoed by colleagues who have said, universally, that he was one of the nicest people they knew.
Receiving the news of Tiote’s death swiftly brings back recent memories of the terrible losses of Gary Speed and Pavel Srnicek in recent years and we can only hope it’s a long, long time before we feel this again.
Rest in Peace, Cheick. You will be missed!
