Blue Bow?

According to nufc.com erstwhile colleague puncher Lee Bowyer has been given permission to talk to crim lover Steve Bruce. Apparently this decision has been taken by Fat Fred rather than Souness, although I can’t imagine there will be too many tears shed on Tyneside if Bowyer does leave.

What bothers me about this is that once again Shepherd is dictating the transfer policy of the club, which he did so successfully last season when he signed Butt and Kluivert against Bobby's wishes and in doing so undermined the position of the manager.

The most pertinent thing that anyone has said about this potential transfer has to be the words of Birmingham Chairman David Gold, who said: "Lee Bowyer's record speaks for itself".

I couldn't agree more.