Niall Quinn

therokerroar

The big man was on Goals on Sunday this morning and I have to say, who wouldn't want this man as their Chairman? He speaks sense, is a true football man and knows the game inside out.

Whilst reading a Sunderland forum I'd like to share a story that a member posted:

Ill give you an insight to the man too that doesnt really get reported - his personal touch and the feeling he has for people
My son got diagnosed with cancer in may - the day he did we decided to have a pint in our local - quinny came into the pub and made a hell of a lot of the bairn, based around his treatment him and steve walton had us as guests at the club for the west ham game, this was a massive celebration as it was the bairns 18th and 3 days earlier hed been told he was in remission - cue dad being mortal all weekend!! after the therapy had finished I dropped quinny a line thanking him for his and the clubs moral support as it cant be underestimated what it meant to Michael, 2 days ago I got a letter from him wishing us well and how proud he was to hear of the good news - this really brought a tear to my eye the man is a gentleman and I cant speak higher of anyone, ours is just one tale, he does it all the time but it is kept quiet - how many other chairmen would do this.

It's a shame there isn't more like him.

chiefwiggum

he's a sound bloke alright..just a proper nice guy!!

ctrl-alt-delete

He is a genuine good guy, im sure some people will have some bad things to say about him somewhere,

I have a lot of respect for him though, especially considering he flies Ryanair to Newcastle i've seen him numerous times on flights, and he has loads of time for anyone who wants pictures, autographs etc.

Mossy Monk

The man is an absolute gent.

therokerroar

ctrl-alt-delete wrote: »

I have a lot of respect for him though, especially considering he flies Ryanair to Newcastle i've seen him numerous times on flights, and he has loads of time for anyone who wants pictures, autographs etc.

Very true, I spoke to him for over 15 minutes on a flight before, it was when he was actually manager of the club and the night before we played Bury in the Carling Cup, in what would be his final game in charge. I've never seen a footballing man in authority so honest and open to a fan in my life.

Bodhisopha

I don't doubt he is a nice guy but i feel he overplays it. His comments about not sleeping the night France beat us bugs me. I bet he slept like a baby in his silk pyjammas.

Aidric

Saw that this morning, just comes across as such a genuine bloke. Kamara & Jones even leading in for a handshake at the end of the show, don't think I've seen that on Goals on Sunday before.

chiefwiggum

Bodhisopha wrote: »

I don't doubt he is a nice guy but i feel he overplays it. His comments about not sleeping the night France beat us bugs me. I bet he slept like a baby in his silk pyjammas.

:rolleyes:

Mossy Monk

Bodhisopha wrote: »

I don't doubt he is a nice guy but i feel he overplays it. His comments about not sleeping the night France beat us bugs me. I bet he slept like a baby in his silk pyjammas.

Even if he had silk pyjamas, how does that affect his character in any way?

Wealthy man spends his money. Oh my. :eek:

Bodhisopha

Mossy Monk wrote: »

Even if he had silk pyjamas, how does that affect his character in any way?

Wealthy man spends his money. Oh my. :eek:

The pyjammas have nothing to do with his character. I'm just making the point that i'm sure he slept soundly and luxuriously.

leninbenjamin

they don't call us the nation of begrudgers for nothing.

ctrl-alt-delete

Bodhisopha wrote: »

The pyjammas have nothing to do with his character. I'm just making the point that i'm sure he slept soundly and luxuriously.

How can you be so sure though?

Bodhisopha

ctrl-alt-delete wrote: »

How can you be so sure though?

You caught me on a technicality, you swine. I'm not sure at all, but i have my suspicions.

I'm sure Roy, Dunphy and Sir Alex would agree with me.

ROCKMAN

Must run in the family .Once had a couple of drinks with his Sister ,a very nice person and pure lady .

Xavi6

Big Quinny is a legend. He's one of the main reasons I followed City from a young age and I've had the pleasure of meeting him a few times.

One particular time was after Irish training in 1993 and he was just a gentleman. I remember him hopping in goal during that session and saving a few penos

therokerroar

It's such a refreshing pleasure to have him in charge of my football club, in an age where Chairmen try to interfere with club matters and are only in it for the profit (I have no doubt Quinn makes a tidy profit by the way) and don't care about clubs and their supporters.

Another piece of Quinn kindness that I'd like to share goes back to when we were in the Championship under Keane when we had played away to Cardiif:

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Niall-Quinn39s-taxi-cabs-are.2218018.jp

NIALL Quinn forked out £8,000 to ferry 80 stranded Sunderland fans back home after over-zealous airline bosses cancelled their flight.

Quinn rallied a fleet of 18 taxis for the 310-mile trip for fans after easyJet grounded their plane – claiming their jubilant mood was a security risk.

But the chairman, who was also on the flight, hit back today – vehemently denying fans were badly behaved.

Problems started as joyous fans arrived at Bristol airport for the 9.25pm return flight to Newcastle after their 1-0 victory over Cardiff on Saturday.

Airline security ticked off fans after breaking into a chorus of "Niall Quinn's Disco Pants" as the chairman arrived at check-in.

After the 124-seater aircraft was boarded, concerns were raised by staff about the behaviour of fans and the plane was surrounded by police.

Officers boarded the flight and removed 12 fans – including a man with learning difficulties and another who was cheered by fans for waving his false leg.

The other passengers were left to wait for about an hour in their seats and were told delays were being caused by paperwork and then concerns over security, before the captain announced the flight was being cancelled.

Two vans of police officers then arrived and escorted supporters back into the terminal.
Fans were left stranded in the airport waiting for a flight the following day – until Quinn announced he was paying for taxis to get them all home.

He and staff ordered a fleet of 14 taxis and four six-seater mini-buses for the trip back to Wearside.

He also ensured others who decided to stay were safe before he and his party got in one of the cars and started their own journey home.

The gesture left fans astounded and reaffirmed Quinn's legend status.

Quinn told the Echo today: "Saturday's journey home from Cardiff was certainly one of the more eventful ones.

"The situation developed, which led to the cancellation of a flight for the 100 or so loyal supporters.

"Myself and members of my staff were on board this flight and vehemently oppose the airline's view that there was disruptive behaviour onboard the plane.

"The mood was humorous and everyone was in good spirits after our fine victory.

"Nonetheless, we were faced with a situation were our fans were stranded and needed assistance.
"The club was happy to arrange transport back to the North East.

"The group included children, elderly and disabled fans and their safety and wellbeing was paramount.

"We also deny the airline's claim that overnight accommodation was offered and this was witnessed by several independent parties.

"Thankfully everyone returned home safely and we will now draw a line under this."

Supporters who got a 10am transfer yesterday were also met by police when they got back in to Newcastle.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Constabulary said: "Safety is paramount in a situation like this.

"The captain takes the final decision on who flies on his plane.

"He decided that the football fans should not fly and we supported him in providing assistance and removed them from the airport."

A spokeswoman for EasyJet said: "EasyJet has a zero-tolerance policy towards any unacceptable behaviour onboard or towards its staff and the flight was consequently cancelled.

"The airline offered those passengers not involved a free transfer onto the next available flight and hotel accommodation and would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to them."


Supporters speak out

JIM Russell, of Fulwell: "I got in one of the taxis and all the way home I was thinking if the airline had reason to react like that.

"A few people had had a few drinks, but the atmosphere was good and I never thought there was any threatening behaviour.

"What a man Niall Quinn is. He was a legend for us before this because of what he's done for Sunderland, but how many football chairmen would help their fans like this?"

Carol Dennis, 53, from Chester-le-Street, was stunned when she was one of the people asked to leave the plane .

"I couldn't believe it," said the grandmother. "I started crying and asked why I was being singled out.

"They said I'd pressed the call button, but I'd done nothing of the sort. They threw off one lad who was sitting asleep causing no problems and they picked out a lad who has learning difficulties.
"The airline totally over-reacted and I won't be using easyjet again.

"I don't know what any of us would have done without Quinny. He's a saint.

"I feel embarrassed because I'm a Sunderland supporter and we don't want to be associated with this kind of thing. People who weren't there will blame drunk football fans, but Niall would not have helped everyone as he did if he thought we were troublemakers."

Michael Branthwaite, from Ashbrooke, was caught up in the rumpus, despite not being in the south west to follow Sunderland.

He said: "There was a bit of boisterous behaviour in the queue before people boarded the plane, but a policewoman had a word with a couple of people and that should have been it dealt with. A few people had had a drink, yes, but it was a happy atmosphere and I didn't see any aggression or abuse."


ECHO sports writer IAN LAWS was one of the passengers left stranded. Here he gives his account of the day.

WHEN Niall Quinn implored Sunderland fans to join him on his journey with the club, he could not have guessed it would result in such a remarkable trip as this.

When we were called to our gate to board flight 576, Quinn was again the focus. There was a brief chorus of "Niall Quinn's disco pants", which ended as soon as security staff asked the singers to settle down.

The first sign of a problem came when one fan was taken out of the front area of the queue to be lectured about his behaviour. He had been in high spirits, but I didn't see exactly what prompted airport security to eventually escort him out of the departure lounge.

On board, I saw no one leave their seats during the wait, other than to go to the toilet, and I saw only one incident of aggression.

Some passengers did become impatient, pressing the call button in order to get the attention of crew and ask what was happening.

At about 10pm, the captain announced he was checking paperwork before the flight could depart.
Fifteen minutes later, blue flashing lights illuminated the area outside and a handful of police boarded the plane to remove, I estimated at the time, eight to 12 people for what the captain announced as "posing a threat to the security of the flight".

Among those removed was a man listening to music. I was sat near him. He was not abusing staff.
Another was a disabled man who gained a small cheer when he removed his false leg.

Another taken away, and looking very distressed, was a young man with learning difficulties who had explained to me only minutes earlier how he lived for these trips.

By this time, Quinn and his club staff had decided to leave the aircraft.

Most passengers remained calm. One man became agitated and his behaviour was not acceptable. He didn't have to be asked to leave; he walked away.

Finally came an announcement at about 10.45pm that easyJet was not prepared to fly these passengers to Newcastle. We all had to leave the plane.

People left the plane in an orderly manner. easyjet officials, via a police officer, offered to reimburse passengers for any accommodation costs involved in having to stay in Bristol and arranged alternative Sunday flights for some passengers.

By now, Quinn was back in front of his people pledging to get them home. He'd tried and failed to organise coach travel, so told everyone that he would pay for taxis to get them home.

One fan, who had told me earlier that he loved Quinn so much he would give him a kidney, suddenly changed his mind. "The bloke's a legend," he declared, "he can have both of my kidneys."

At a cost of £380 per car of four people, Quinn paid for them to get back to their Wearside homes.

A few remained at the airport to catch a morning flight, but most jumped into the convoy of cabs.

At 12.50am, I joined three fans I had never previously met and started on the road home. Quinn was still waiting to go. He'd make sure everyone else was sorted out first.

The day he leaves Sunderland will a very, very sad day for the club indeed.

King John V

Here's the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7ca_1oMbuc

CCCP^

His wife is Gorgeous.

IvySlayer

Niall Quinn, legend. Simple as.

therokerroar

CCCP^ wrote: »

His wife is Gorgeous.

I hope she gives him a good seeing too every night of the week because by God does that man deserve it.

IvySlayer

He was the Sunderland manager, realised he wasn't doing well and sacked himself. Put his hands up and said he wasn't good enough.

therokerroar

IvySlayer wrote: »

He was the Sunderland manager, realised he wasn't doing well and sacked himself. Put his hands up and said he wasn't good enough.

It was always the case that he was just going to be a stop-gap until we could get a permanent manager.

We were negotaiting with Martin O'Neill as Keane had said he wasn't sure but when we were in talks Villa came in for him and he went there, as it was near the start of the season and there was still no change in Keane's situation, Quinn thought he could still talk him round, so took the job thinking he'd only have to wait 4 or 5 games at most until he got Keane in the hotseat, he was correct and left the managers post as promised.

ctrl-alt-delete

CCCP^ wrote: »

His wife is Gorgeous.

Far better looking with her hair like that then when she has it all big and curly!

great pic!

_blank_

Niall Quinn is a creep!

He brought Sunderland over to play Shels in a friendly one summer, and I was part of the team that interviewed him for the Shels website. He broke the news of Keane's appointment as manager to us, for the website.

I think he was also involved in the Shamrock Rovers 400 Club.

I agree, he's a nice fella.

noodler

Bodhisopha wrote: »

I don't doubt he is a nice guy but i feel he overplays it. His comments about not sleeping the night France beat us bugs me. I bet he slept like a baby in his silk pyjammas.

Bodhisopha wrote: »

The pyjammas have nothing to do with his character. I'm just making the point that i'm sure he slept soundly and luxuriously.

Eh, the man represented his country for years and was the top scorer for a period.

I reckon he probably took the France game a lot harder than some random fan like you did!

ShamoBuc

When someone is put on a pedastal, it won't take long for people to knock them down.

Quint

But Dunphy said he's a creep. Surely Dunphy can't be wrong about something

therokerroar

ShamoBuc wrote: »

When someone is put on a pedastal, it won't take long for people to knock them down.

He's Chairman of Sunderland mate not Newcastle.

We'll always appreciate what he has done and is doing for this football club, as a player and as a Chairman. That will never change no matter what happens in the future.

Bodhisopha

noodler wrote: »

Eh, the man represented his country for years and was the top scorer for a period.

I reckon he probably took the France game a lot harder than some random fan like you did!

Nah, he still has England to support. I have nobody.

murpho999

I enjoyed him this morning on Goals on Sunday, he seems like a good laugh,
Sky annoyed me though by putting up the caption 'Niall Quinn MBE'.

I really hate that stupid British Empire Honours system, and his MBE, being Irish, is honourary so he doesn't put it after his name.

Also, Kamara with the 'Sir Niall Quinn campaign starts here', again he will only ever get an honourary one and will never be a 'sir'. Quinn looked very uncomfortable when he said that!

Rant over, apart from that I really enjoyed the show!

noodler

Bodhisopha wrote: »

Nah, he still has England to support. I have nobody.

?

helimachoptor

Bodhisopha wrote: »

I don't doubt he is a nice guy but i feel he overplays it. His comments about not sleeping the night France beat us bugs me. I bet he slept like a baby in his silk pyjammas.

I didnt sleep and as for someone who's played for his country and knows what a world cup is, i'd say he felt the loss more than most.

jesus_thats_gre

Hmmm, maybe Roy was wrong afterall.

Instant Karma

Always been a fan of big Niall, was a City legend too. I also can confirm the man is a true gent, I know of a similar story where he arranged for someone who had been badly hurt in an accident to be taken over for a match and had everything laid on for the lads in question. Still corresponds with them via email.

Cool Running

Was at a talk last night by Niall in DCU. The man is some legend;) some of the stories had the hair standing up on the back of my neck. A load of stories about sessions etc he was definetly the opposite to Roy Keane in relation to hard training, dedication etc. It didnt do him any harm tho. Seriously considering going out getting a Sunderland jersey:D

Drummerboy2

Cool Running wrote: »

Was at a talk last night by Niall in DCU. The man is some legend;) some of the stories had the hair standing up on the back of my neck. A load of stories about sessions etc he was definetly the opposite to Roy Keane in relation to hard training, dedication etc. It didnt do him any harm tho. Seriously considering going out getting a Sunderland jersey:D

I read his book recently. It was a very honest read. He certainly wasn't a model pro, especially in his younger days. He is a great ambassador for Irish footballers. He is a very ordinary guy, loves his guinness, his horses and his GAA. A genuine nice ordinary guy.

Pepe LeFrits

I flew to JFK from Dublin last summer and he and his family were on the same flight, about three rows ahead of me (but still in economy). In the departures lounge he was constantly on the phone to someone about Sunderland (in my imagination it was some dodgy agent trying to con him), it was rather surreal.

I didn't want to bother him so I left him alone, but as we landed on the tarmac at JFK two lads went up to him and started shaking his hand and asking him all the usual questions. As you'd expect he was very friendly with them (iirc I think he might have said it was Sunderland's last day of training before the summer break), but he was clearly a bit uncomfortable with it, cramped plane and nowhere to escape to etc. His family just went on with their business while these two lads hero-worshipped him, I suppose they're used to it but it was still pretty surreal (again)!

And yep, his wife is an absolute lasher. His daughter, how shall I say, also has potential.

Guy:Incognito

Cool Running wrote: »

A load of stories about sessions etc he was definetly the opposite to Roy Keane in relation to hard training, dedication etc.

In fairness he was able to get away wth it because he was a the tail end of the era when a tall striker like him could quite often stand up front and hold the ball up or use his height to get hi head on crosses. If he had a midfield to run it'd be a different story.

Players like Torres etc wouldnt get away with too much lazy training.

Boggles

Mother Thersea Billo!! Yeah Baby!!

Jordonvito

Pepe LeFrits wrote: »

I flew to JFK from Dublin last summer and he and his family were on the same flight, about three rows ahead of me (but still in economy). In the departures lounge he was constantly on the phone to someone about Sunderland (in my imagination it was some dodgy agent trying to con him), it was rather surreal.

I didn't want to bother him so I left him alone, but as we landed on the tarmac at JFK two lads went up to him and started shaking his hand and asking him all the usual questions. As you'd expect he was very friendly with them (iirc I think he might have said it was Sunderland's last day of training before the summer break), but he was clearly a bit uncomfortable with it, cramped plane and nowhere to escape to etc. His family just went on with their business while these two lads hero-worshipped him, I suppose they're used to it but it was still pretty surreal (again)!

And yep, his wife is an absolute lasher. His daughter, how shall I say, also has potential.

my friend knows his daughter, she's a model, grand bit of leg:pac: