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.
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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.