“They try to take the ball past Nyron, he says no, no, no,” sing the Sunderland fans to the tune of Amy Winehouse’s Rehab.

The Mackems belt out this number in honour of their defensive rock: Nyron Nosworthy.

In an age of dim and distant footballers with a coterie of hangers-on, the popular 28-year-old Londoner is highly regarded as having his feet on the ground – perhaps because he started his journey to the big time as a Sunday League player, a Weekend Wonder like you.

League Two Gillingham noticed his raw talent and took him to the Priestfield Stadium. The versatile defender spent seven years in the Gills’ first team before Mick McCarthy signed him for Sunderland on a free transfer in 2005.

During his three years with the Black Cats he’s experienced relegation, promotion and now the glitz and glamour of the Premier League.

His performances have earned him a new contract until 2010 and he was voted Sunderland’s Player of the Season for 2006-07.

Community work is important to Nosworthy and as well as acting as the club’s “Kick It Out” anti-racism ambassador, he throws his weight behind Barclays’ “Get on with the Game” campaign.

The project is designed to promote the FA’s Respect campaign at grassroots level. Here’s what ‘Nozzer’ had to say to Weekend Wonders...

Did you ever play Sunday League football?
Oh yes. I played Sunday League football up until the age of 14. I played for my local side in Brixton - Independent FC. They’re still running now and my nephew plays for them.

We played against Gillingham's youth team in a competition and we lost 1-0, but obviously there was a scout at the game and I got picked up from there.

Tony Pulis [now Stoke City manager] gave me my first professional contract at Gillingham. I loved playing Sunday League. Me and my mates used to ride to Clapham Park on our BMXs and turn up all rough and ready – then batter these posh teams.

We had a great side, and I was probably the rawest talent out of the lot us, but I think I’m the only one who made it.

What were the refs like?
Generally they were pretty good, but you always got some dodgy ones, especially when the dads volunteered.

How hard is it to keep your cool with a ref when the crowd is egging you on?
It’s very difficult. The fans are great and when they get behind you it’s a real buzz – you feel pumped up. But that’s still no excuse of disrespecting the referee and getting up in his face.

There’s no need for it. It’s hard, but you have to try to keep calm and accept his decision, right or wrong. Referees are just trying to do their job, it’s not easy for them and it doesn’t help to have a player shouting and swearing at their every decision. We all have to try and understand and set an example.

Would you like to see referees helped by technology?
Technology might change the game too much. The game is great because of the freedom the players and the officials have, if you try to get too much technology involved it takes that edge off the game. Football should be left alone.

I play like
As I got older I looked to the top players in the Premier League and tried to base my game around theirs and emulate their success. Kolo Toure is a player I respect because he has come up through the ranks to become one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

Other people say I play like
I was a bit of a bruiser, a big bully-boy – so more than any footballer, I got compared to Frank Bruno...

Best football achievement
Winning promotion to the Premier League in 2006-07 as part of Sunderland’s title-winning side. We performed to a very high standard.

Worst moment in football
Getting relegated with Sunderland in my first season at the club. We only managed to win 15 points – a record low until Derby got relegated last season. It was a very difficult time for the club, but you just have to get on with it and come back stronger – which we have done.

The best player in our team
It’s difficult because each player has his strengths and jobs in the team. But if I had to choose the most talented, I’d probably say Kieran Richardson. We all knew he had the talent, but he has come back with a new determination this season. He’s relentless during a game, up and down, tracking, working hard and scoring goals.

Team supported
Arsenal. I lived in south London, but I didn’t like the Eagles [presumably Crystal Palace, not the Californian country-rockers].

Football hero
When I was younger it was Ian Wright, Wright, Wright.

Football villain
He’s not so much my football villain, but I’ve always had some tough battles with Jason Roberts. He’s got strength, pace and power.

Why I’m a Weekend Wonder
I’ve enjoyed the game from an early age. I love the banter with team-mates and the passion of the game. I’ve always enjoyed the physical side of football; the challenge and competition and the battles you have on the pitch.