Not so long ago, Michael Spellman walked in the shadow of Geordie giants - while autumnal rain tapped out it's symphony on Whitby Bay's cobblestoned harbourside.
It is impossible to fathom the depth of love County goal-ace Spellman has for his native north east - the Toon, forever attached to football myth, fame, legend and musical lyric which eased working-class hearts from a fractured industrial past.
Wideman Spellman, who was once chipped from the hopefuls at Chester le Street United, has done better than most - although his secret childhood dream might have included Alan Shearer, Michael Carrick or Paul Gascoigne.
Spellman, whose magical left foot is one of the most potent weapons in English football's lower leagues, loves munching a northern Parmo or a juicy steak.
Premier League Sunderland felt Spellman, now 23, had what it took to be a star four years ago, handing him a pro deal, lining up in a Black Cats squad that included Coventry striker Ellis Simms, Ipswich winger Jack Clarke, current left-back Dennis Cirkin and Manchester United's £32m Ivorian attacker Amed Diallo.
The attacker recalls that time saying, "I was delighted to go to Sunderland, of course. Not many people know, but while at Chester le Street I was thinking about packing football in. All my friends were going out doing things. I was playing in a college set up, not earning any money.
"The college was fulltime. I was doing college work as well as playing football in a night-time. It was very tough for me because I didn't have the time for anything else. Looking back, I am so glad I stuck at things.
"I have to give huge credit to my parents. They were and have been absolutely brilliant. I owe them everything. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't be where I am today."
He went on, "All my family are Geordies - my love of Newcastle comes from them. They are spread all over the city. While I was growing up I loved Alan Shearer, everyone in the family was always going on about him. I never have met him, but did meet Peter Beardsley once."
Spellman landed at NP19 the summer before last - and has just moved above 50 County matches - homesickness was never a problem during his time in south Wales.
He said, "I think there are similarities between Newcastle and Newport. Both cities breath football. People have shown me a lot of love since I have been here. That means a lot to me."
Gifted Spellman is out of contract within six months, but says the Port's league status is more important than his own future. The player saw red for two separate bookable offences in the 2-0 home defeat to Fleetwood before Christmas, and that error still rankles with him.
He reflected, "Obviously that was a silly mistake. It is not ideal for a player to be sent off in any circumstance - particularly in a home game. After that, I felt I owed the lads something."
On his future, Spellman reflects, "Everyone must think about this. But for me, all I want to do now is help this club [Newport] in any way I can. We all [the players] must do the best we can for the team now. We must make sure the team stays where it belongs [in the Football League]. "
Spellman, who is looking for a third strike in three games when Accrington call at Rodney Parade on Tuesday night, is 300 miles from his beloved birthplace in Gwent. He is hardened by the muck and brambles of past loan stints at Blyth Spartans and home club Whitby Town.
Spellman's 18-yard left-foot special screamed into Chesterfield's net last Saturday and helped seal a crucial 2-1 victory. for County - a sweet strike accomplished with little back lift, bamboozling the stunned Spireite defenders.
The raider reflects, " I always knew I had goals in me. Confidence does play such a big part. The gaffer [Christian Fuchs] has given me so much confidence. He has shown much belief in me. That means so much to me, I am grateful to him."
Fuchs has been delighted to see Spellman respond to instruction, saying, "His [Michael's] goal against Chesterfield was his second in two games. It was technically a great finish because of the four players he had around him.
"Moments of success do help individual players. I am really happy for him [Spellman] because for one reason or another he was a bit criticised at one time - I don't know why!"