Nedum Onuoha took time out from closely monitoring the style and technique of fellow defenders Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure to bring an early Christmas cheer to 150 Manchester residents when he by becoming a bingo caller for the day at a special tea dance at the City of Manchester Stadium.
Each month the Blues’ registered charity City in the Community (CITC) organises the tea dances to give older people the chance to take part in a physical activity as well as a meet new people in a friendly environment.
Nedum said: “I was delighted to be help out. It’s great that the club supports older people in our community and that they get the chance to come to the City of Manchester Stadium.”
The popular 23-year-old knows he can’t dance back into the first team as easily, but is happy to wait for a chance to reclaim a first team spot and reckons training alongside Toure and Lescott is improving his all-round game.
Before his substitute appearance in the 2-1 win over Chelsea, injury had restricted Onuoha to just 45 minutes’ action so far this season, but he feels sure opportunities will arise as the Blues approach their busiest period of the campaign.
“In all honesty I’ve learned a lot from having Kolo and Joleon in the squad and that will benefit me when I play alongside them in the team,” said Nedum who has clocked up more than a century appearances for the Blues so far.
Sometimes you need challenges to keep yourself motivated and fresh and I think those lads coming in has helped me improve and I think you’ll be able to see that when I start playing again.
...Nedum Onuoha
“Competition for places is healthy because if you are playing week in, week out and there’s nobody behind you threatening your place, you can take things for granted. The manager makes us all aware that there are maybe two people for every position in the team, so you know if you don’t play well one week, you could be out of the side the next.”
Watch out for exclusive video of ‘Nedum Onuoha bingo caller’ coming soon to www.mcfc.co.uk
