Families in Football: Marco and Ricardo Gabbiadini

Marco Gabbiadini

When teenager Marco Gabbiadini signed for Sunderland in 1987, it would have been of little surprise if many had thought the Black Cats had ventured to Italy to strengthen their squad. However, the youngster, born in Nottingham, had been bought from York City for what would be a bargain of £80,000. Sunderland’s then-manager Denis Smith had worked with the striker while they had been at City together and despite Gabbiadini only showing glimpses of his potential, Smith knew there was more to come.

Partnered by the experienced former England international Eric Gates, Gabbiadini quickly became a fan-favourite amongst the Roker Park faithful as he had Gates, or the ‘G Force’ as they became known on Wearside tore defences apart to steer the club to promotion from the old Division Three.

The goals continued to flow, as did the occasional bouts of controversy for the youngster as Sunderland firstly established themselves back in Division Two (now the Championship) and then push for promotion. The promotion push was successful, with the highlight for Gabbiadini and supporters being the play-off semi-final win against rivals Newcastle United where the striker would score the second goal in a 2-0 win at St. James’ Park, with Gates scoring the first.

Promotion did not go to plan with relegation after one season; However, Sunderland and Gabbiadini let no one down with some excellent performances. Five goals in nine games the following season saw Crystal Palace come calling with the Black Cats manager willing to cash in on their prize asset to strengthen their squad. In 1991, Gabbiadini left Wearside for London in a deal worth £1.8 million. He left, much to the disappointment of fans having scored 87 goals, many of them spectacular, in 185 games.

Bought to replace the departed Ian Wright, Gabbiadini was tasked with filling the boots of the new Arsenal man. Five goals in his first 15 games followed but the striker was struggling to settle in the unfamiliar London surroundings. He was soon on the move again, this time to Derby County.

In five-and-a-half years at County, Gabbiadini would establish himself as a first-team regular. His first full season at the club brought the Player of the Year award. Although not as prolific as his time at Sunderland, the explosive striker would still score regularly eventually helping the club back to the Premier League.