Aged 17, Marco Gabbiadini made his debut for York City. 18 years, 665 league games and 226 league goals later he hung up his boots for the final time, retiring from football on his 36th birthday, after a career which spanned all four divisions and encompassed spells at eleven different clubs. To make over 750 appearances in all competitions is a fantastic achievement, requiring great determination, commitment and no shortage of skill.
A young Gabbiadini first started playing football aged eight, and recalling his youth he commented: “I got into football the old fashioned way. I had my first trial at primary school, made it into the school team, and then got my first pair of football boots. It progressed from there, and I reached county level, but the scouting system was nothing like nowadays.” Gabbiadini’s breakthrough came when he was signed as an apprentice at York City aged 16 by Denis Smith.
The young starlet enjoyed an excellent spell at the club, scoring 18 times in 71 appearances, during a period which he described as “a perfect grounding to start his career.” He added: “It was a good team, we had a great set of lads and it was a landmark time for the club.” After Smith left his post at York for the Sunderland job, the club slipped into decline, and in 1987 Gabbiadini followed his mentor to the North East. At Sunderland he embarked on the most successful period of his career, earning two promotions which lifted the club to the old Division One and notching up 74 league goals in 152 games.
Exorbitant transfer fees have become commonplace in modern football, and in 1991 Gabbiadini was sold to Crystal Palace for £1.8 million. Asked how the fee affected him he noted: “It wasn’t a burden, you can’t really think about it. There is a sense of expectation, but it was another chance to test myself at the highest level.” His time in London though was short lived, and only 25 games later he moved to Derby.
For five years the Anglo-Italian enjoyed “great times during a happy period” at Derby, winning promotion back to the Premier Division, before knee injuries hampered his career. Short spells at Greek side Panionis, Stoke and York followed, before he settled at Darlington, where he excelled in the fourth division, winning the golden boot twice. A three year stint at Northampton ensued, before his career ended at Hartlepool in 2004.
During his career Gabbiadini participated in some great games, scored some marvellous goals and shared the pitch with some superb talents. When questioned on such issues he responded: “Memory wise the best game I was involved in was probably the Newcastle-Sunderland playoff semi-final in 1990, which we won 2-0 at St James’ Park. It was a massive derby and is still remembered. My first ever goal in the top flight was away at Norwich, where I scored a belter into the bottom corner, that was pretty special.”
At Sunderland Gabbiadini forged his G-Force strike partnership with Eric Gates. On the matter he added: “Eric was an England player and one of the top players in the country. We both lit one another up and he had a massive impact on my career, we were the perfect partnership really.” Gabbiadini also opposed some footballing legends and on the matter commented: “Zola was fantastic. You watched him in games and thought you can’t get the ball of him, his touches were so good. Cantona was great also, and as far as strikers go Shearer was the benchmark.”
In his words the highlight of his career was “the fact I played so many games, and was picked week in week out. Winning five player of the season awards was memorable too.” After retiring in 2004, Gabbiadini established Bishops York guesthouse with his wife. Asked why he entered that industry he answered: “We always wanted to settle back in York which is a special and unique place. Our parents had similar businesses, and footballers didn’t earn big wages back then. My first contract at Sunderland was £250 a week, my dad was earning more building.”
The retired footballer also broadcasts on BBC Radio Newcastle four nights a week, and is head of sport at Inspire to Independence. The love for football still remains though and Marco wishes “his football experience was used to better effect.” However he admits: “It would be a big gamble going into management, giving up my jobs and potentially getting the sack in six months’ time.”
It’s eight years now since the former York City apprentice retired and football has evolved since. The 44-year-old said: “When I started I was playing with people who started in the 60s, it was so old school; being an apprentice was the worst part of my life. You were a slave; boot scrubbing, bath and floor cleaning. You’d get a grotty minibus, no spare kit and were never even fed. When you look back the conditions were terrible. That’s completely different now.”
Refereeing decisions are frequently in the media spotlight, and Gabbiadini remarked: “I feel sorry for referees now, who would want to be a referee? You’ve got to really love the game. With all the cameras every decision is scrutinised, it’s all about concentration and split second decisions; referees aren’t machines. Goal line technology should have been introduced years ago.”
Whilst Italy won the World Cup in 2006, international success has eluded England. The Anglo-Italian commented on the arrival of new individuals to the fold: “I think after South Africa everyone, me included, wanted rid of the old guard. The likes of Zaha will get a boost in confidence from just being involved in the squad.”
After such a successful career, he is well placed to advise youngsters looking to pursue a career in football. He told Vision: “Enjoy it all the time; you can’t take it for granted that you’re going to make it. You have to have a certain amount of luck.”
Reflecting on the current fortunes of York City he observed: “Promotion is a big catalyst in football, and getting back to the football league was crucial. They look a really good footballing side who stick to their principles; they could just do with a little more cutting edge. If they don’t get promoted this year it’s not the end of the world.”
In the future Gabbiadini plans to “continue his successful business in York.” He added: “Personal life has always been important to me, and I’ve got four kids who are coming towards university age. Who knows where I’ll be in a few years, you never know I might get a call to become a manager.” Whatever happens in the future whether it be in or out of football, the popular former striker’s reputation as a superb footballer will remain for years to come.