The Legends name their North-East Sports Personality of 2009

MALCOLM MACDONALD

THIS may come as something of a surprise considering the comments that I have made in the past but I would have to say that Chris Hughton would get my vote.

I admit that I was one of his biggest doubters in the past and said that I did not think that coaches make good managers. While that is true in most cases I stand corrected when it comes to Chris Hughton, who has done a superb job at Newcastle United.

He has gone about his business in a dignified manner and let’s be honest Newcastle and the people running it have lacked dignity and class in recent times. Chris has restored confidence on the pitch and respect off it.

“I take my hat off to him.

He has galvanised a club that many of us predicted would struggle to bounce back this season. I’m not sure many people could have done a better job than him.

I think most supporters would be happy to go into this weekend 12 points clear of the teams outside the automatic promotion places. That speaks volumes for the job that Chris has done. I have also been impressed by the manner in which he’s dealt with matters of discipline, for example regarding Andy Carroll.

The players seem to respect him and I think he is starting to gradually win over the supporters. Let’s hope he enjoys similar success in 2010.

BERNIE SLAVEN

IF you look at the year gone by, one man has stood out head and shoulders above everyone else, and that’s Sir Bobby Robson.

Despite everything he went through, he was still dignified and courageous right up to his death.

The whole of the North- East came together when he died, and I can’t really think of anyone else who that would apply to.

The last time I saw Sir Bobby was in the boardroom at the Stadium of Light, when he was a guest of Niall Quinn.

“He was still exactly the same, sharp, friendly and desperate to talk to anybody about football.

Then, of course, there was his testimonial game at St James’ when he said his final farewells.

It was almost as if he had forced himself to make it to that match in order to raise as much money as he could, then he allowed himself to go.

His death was the biggest sports story all year, and people will never forget who he was or what he achieved.

MICKY HORSWILL

NORTH-EAST Sports Personality of the Year?

Easy. It has to be Mike Ashley.

I mean, come on, who else has provided as much joy, enjoyment and pleasure to each and every Sunderland fan?

Everything the man does is just absolute dynamite and it’s been great to watch him turn Newcastle into more and more of a laughing stock.

I’m pretty sure all Sunderland fans would agree with me, but then we all think Ashley must secretly be a Mackem anyway. Nobody else would do the kind of things he’s done, would they?

You don’t imagine he could do any better next year, but then you think that after every single thing he does. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a few more surprises up his sleeve that will continue to make Sunderland supporters smile in 2010.

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