[retired_putpo]

The fact he's been released by Lyon and no-one else has made a move for him is a bit strange, but hopefully his experience will be beneficial to progress our young defenders and at least it's a body! Happy if Smith signs as a midfielder, especially for the price, but he's never been a natural goalscorer and we really don't need any more strikers IMO.

[trotamundos]

Yeah he's a defender. Unless I'm going mad I'm sure he's played full back for Lyon a fair ferw times as well.

[circlewalker]

If he really was a former captain at Lyon then we'd be lucky to have him.

Imagine having a leader in our defence. Don't think we've had one since Steve Howey.

[retired_jsto]

Since Stu Pearce you mean :cool:

[circlewalker]

Shame he was old and a bit crap by the time we had him. He still made a noticeable difference though.

By leader in defence I actually meant a huge commanding centre back to organise the defence.

[retired_fabricodalacosta]

If we can pull off the 3 signings which .com are hinting at (Smith, Cacapa and also Ivica Dragutinovic) then things will be looking a lot better. The latter apparently played LB for Seville in this years UEFA Cup Final, IIRC. All 3 players will bring in much needed experience. :thup:

With regards to Cacapa - you've got to be no mug if you played for and captained Lyon. Apparently he fell out of favour with Houllier after refusing to sign a new contract.

This and Dyer leaving - things are looking a lot better.

[retired_mathaus]

looks like Barton and Dragutinovic would get on well.....

When aged César Cadaval, one half of Spanish comedy duo Los Morancos, friend of president José MarÃ*a del Nido and a famous Sevilla fan, visited the club after training one day, he spent his time cracking jokes and messing about with the players. Which was all fine and dandy until, giggling unwisely, he foolishly patted Dragutinovic on the arse. The Serbia and Montenegro international responded by chinning him, bringing up a monster black eye.

[retired_laticia3]

Wonder if we can get Cannon and Ball to the Newcastle training ground?

[retired_jesenia]

congrats BG, haven't seen you speak about it before, I assume it wasn't planned?

Oh and look after smudger

[retired_fabricodalacosta]

Originally posted by BBB:
congrats BG, haven't seen you speak about it before, I assume it wasn't planned?

Oh and look after smudger

Cheers BBB. It was planned fairly quickly when we found out Alison was expecting. Obviously the miscarraige then happened, but it was not enough of a reason to not get hitched though.

We are also being linked with Mark Delaney from Villa, on Newcastle Online. Some are suggesting he is under-going a medical as we speak. Not from official sources at present I might add - merely a rumour.