Stimo Makes It To Football League Status!
Last updated : 02 November 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
The blonde flowing locks used to bob up and down as 'Stimo' jogged his way up and down the left flank of St James' Park looking more like a pop star than a footballer.
He arrived on Tyneside from Spurs having only played a couple of games for the North London club and cost us £150,000.
But and never hit it off with the Geordie crowd, and the fault was his own. He was a far better player than he showed us, and that was his failing. If he was crap ... fair enough ... but odd games he would show genuine Premiership ability.
He played 100 games for us between 1989/92 scoring three goals.
Probably the most spectacular goal (and game) was the FA Cup tie against Derby County - the game after he scored an own goal at Oldham. He had something to prove and he left Peter Shilton stood rooted as he scored from 25 yards.
Stimson has returned to the Football League as manager at Gillingham and he believes his appointment at the Kent club is a "step in the right direction".
The 39-year-old was appointed as the Gills' new boss almost eight weeks after Ronnie Jepson resigned and will be in the dugout for Friday night's trip to Swansea, although caretaker-boss Iffy Onuora will pick the team.
Stimson resigned from his post at Blue Square Premier side Stevenage a fortnight ago amid speculation linking him with the Gills as well as the vacancies at fellow Coca-Cola League One clubs Millwall and Port Vale.
Stimson: "I'm very pleased to be here, it's a challenging position and one I'm very much looking forward to.
"It's a big opportunity for me and one I cannot wait to start. I did pretty well at Grays and then Stevenage, this is a step in the right direction for me.
"I feel very proud being given an opportunity to manage in the Football League. It has taken its time coming, but it is certainly worth it.
"I can't wait for Friday night's game, to get involved with the players and hopefully get some points on the board."
He had a loan spell at Priestfield at the start of his playing career, began his management career with Grays and guided them to the Conference South title in 2005, as well as winning the FA Trophy.
He then repeated the Trophy win with Athletic the following season while also taking his side into the Conference play-offs, before moving to Stevenage in the summer of 2006.
Although he was unable to take Borough into the Football League, he did manage another FA Trophy win, making him the first manager to win the non-league equivalent of the FA Cup three times in a row.