In February the curtain fell on Nyron Nosworthy’s playing career as he ended his time with Dagenham & Redbridge and hung up his boots.
Affectionately known as Nuggsy, the defender flourished at Sunderland under the management of Roy Keane as the Black Cats went from zeroes to heroes and secured the Championship title in 2007.
Next season marks the ten-year anniversary of the Lads’ promotion-winning campaign, with the initially out-of-favour Nosworthy ending the season by leading the red & white army through a memorable rendition of his famous song at Kenilworth Road, complete with a straw hat.
And although the defender went on to enjoy memorable times at a host of other clubs, none quite compared to his unforgettable spell on Wearside.
“My time at Sunderland ranks at the top, it’s number one for sure,” reflected Nosworthy.
“My time at Gillingham was the building blocks and I had some special moments there, but in terms of reaching the point in your career where you have to test yourself and come out of your comfort zone, it was Sunderland.
“I had to prove that I was capable of coming from a lesser club and mixing it with better players, so a lot was achieved during my time on Wearside and I was grateful for the opportunity.”
He continued: “I was talking to my brother recently – we were discussing politics which is always a big one – and I said my career was simply a blessing.
“I look at young players now trying to come through and as much as football is a very beautiful game it can be a cruel one, so I’m very thankful for the career I’ve had and the clubs I’ve been at.
“To have a decent career and produce some really good moments means everything.”
Now 35, many of the defender’s former team-mates have moved into coaching and management, but although Nosworthy is currently doing his coaching badges he's enjoying being a spectator for now, and he will be cheering on Sam Allardyce’s side when they travel to Carrow Road on Saturday.
“I’ve been doing my coaching badges but for now I’m just going to be spectator.
“There are a few other things happening which I’m going to concentrate on, so I will see how they go and in the meantime make sure I don’t get a belly!”
He added: “It’s been a cutthroat season and it goes to show just how hard competing in the Premier League is, but there is a lot of talent in the team and we have some very good players.
“When you’re down there it’s hard, believe me I know because I’ve been there, but hopefully this Saturday we can produce the goods and get three points.”