To describe Yakubu as a 'cult hero' would be to do the big man a disservice.
The former Everton striker was, after all, one of the more prolific of his era, netting 96 Premier League goals across 10 seasons, including a career-high 17 for Blackburn in 2011/2012 after a year spent 'washed up' in the Championship with Leicester.
It was his ferocious physicality, however, which endeared him to English football fans. He was the archetypal 'big English forward', only he was from Nigeria, and he scored some magnificent goals.
And then he was gone. Two seasons in China were followed by a spell in Qatar, with a seven-game stop-off at Reading before moving to Turkey with Kayserispor.
But now, The Yak is back.
SIGNING: #CCFC complete the signing of striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni until end of the current season.
More: https://t.co/RTqdBxD3F3. #Yak pic.twitter.com/VUvkrX6eFc— Coventry City (@Coventry_City) February 13, 2017
Still just 34, Yakubu has signed with League One Coventry until the end of the season, with the club currently nine points from safety with a game in hand.
It's an absolute Hail Mary from the Coverntry powers-that-be, but the fans are absolutely loving it.
@Coventry_City promotion confirmed.
— Euan (@euan_rowe) February 13, 2017
@Coventry_City yakubuuuuu ???
— Kate (@ccfckatex_) February 13, 2017
@Coventry_City FEED THE YAK
— Nathan birch (@NathanBirch0) February 13, 2017
@Coventry_City RETUUURRN OF THE YAK
— Finners (@FinSouthKlein) February 13, 2017
A club statement from Coventry read:
The Sky Blues have completed the signing of ex-Everton talisman Yakubu on a deal running until May 2017, pending international clearance.
The 34-year old brings a wealth of top flight experience, having made over 400 professional appearances and scored over 170 career goals. The forward had a brief spell in Turkey last season, featuring on twelve occasions for Super Lig outfit Kayserispor.
After spells with Portsmouth and Middlesborough, the 'Yak' joined Everton in 2007, for a reported figure of £11.25m, a record fee for the Toffees at the time.
The frontman netted over 130 senior goals in England, during a nine year stint, playing in the top flight for Blackburn, Portsmouth, Middlesborough and Everton, and in the Championship for Leicester and Reading.
Manager Russell Slade added:
He is astute on the ball, has clear quality and presence, and we’ll continue to work on his match fitness as we prepare for the final 16 games of this season.
Rather beautifully, we may yet see the great man take to the field of Wembley in sky blue; Coventry are in the final of the EFL Trophy on April 2nd, and by then, the Yak will surely be back steamrolling defenders.
In any case, it's splendid to have him back, and there'll no doubt be a few more football fans seeking Coventry updates on LiveScore in the coming weeks.
