At the recent Fans Forum meeting the topic of Shola Ameobi and if he would be granted a testimonial to commemorate his 19-year association with Newcastle United was raised. "The club confirmed it does plan to mark the player's length of service to Newcastle United but has not yet discussed its plans internally or with the player," was the response tendered by the board members present at the gathering. Regardless of whether it happens the subject will prove as divisive as Ameobi, himself, has for Toon supporters from the moment he burst, or should that be ambled, onto the black and white scene in September 2000. Sir Bobby Robson threw a teenage Ameobi into the deep end for his debut and he's been fighting against the tide ever since. However, love him or hate him there is no denying that the 33-year-old has been a phenomenal servant to the Club he joined in 1995 after catching the eye of Magpies scouts at Walker Central Boys Club. Promise that, nearly two decades later, remains largely unfulfilled. Still, he's our second highest ever goalscorer in Europe behind Alan Shearer so that counts for something. Plus, lest we forget, the seven goals against Sunderland that led to him being forever dubbed as the 'Mackem Slayer'. What can't be disputed is Ameobi's dedication to the club he has served with supreme integrity both on and off the pitch. He is loyal to a fault and always willing to put himself on the line for the Club when the situation required. One particular match, a 4-1 victory over Wolves at St James' in April 2011, illustrated Ameobi's selfless character. He took to the field that day wearing a protective face mask, designed to shield a fractured cheekbone, and showed little regard for his own health in pursuit of a goal. He scored, inevitably, with a courageous header at the far post. For those reasons alone the Nigeria international merits a testimonial in our book. A night to honour his 20 years at the Club was bestowed on Steve Harper last season and we believe Ameobi deserves the same treatment. But what about you?