BORN ON THIS DAY: NICK PICKERING

Born on this day is former Sunderland midfielder and England youth international Nick Pickering. The South-Shields born player was part of the England side that won the under-21 European Championships in 1984, yet was handed just one senior cap.

Pickering was Sunderland through and through, coming up from our youth team. He was promoted to the senior squad by Alan Durban in an attempt to revitalise the squad with young, exciting players. He became a big part of Durban’s “nearly” team of the early 1980s after making his debut in a 3-3 draw with Ipswich Town when he was only 18 years old.

Pickering was fast, skilful and provided plenty of energy in the engine room. In his first season, he was not only named Sunderland’s young player of the year but also player of the year, showing how popular the midfielder was with fans.

In 1985, Nick was part of the team that went on an amazing run to reach the Milk Cup final. Len Ashurst had replaced Alan Durban, and went for a cheaper yet functional approach to football. The final was ultimately won by Norwich, with David Corner failing to clear the ball properly. Clive Walker also missed a penalty to equalise late on.

Pickering made his one and only appearance for England aged 19. He was as surprised as anyone else when he was selected in the squad to tour Australia and play the hosts in three different cities. His start came in the final of the three matches as England drew 1-1. He is one of only two players to have been discarded by England while still in his teens.

After five years at Roker Park, Pickering joined Coventry City, where he went on to win the FA Cup in 1987. He featured regularly for the Sky Blues and then Derby County, before returning to the North East to join Darlington. After making over 50 appearances, he joined Burnley briefly before retiring. He then went on to become involved in coaching in the North East, before becoming a postman in Coventry! Imagine if a modern-day footballer chose that career path!