Pavel is a Geordie - again!

Not content with resigning Olivier Bernard, Glenn Roeder has reached further back into Newcastle's history to reunite Pavel Srnicek with the club at which he spent seven years in the 1990s - one of the more remarkable transfer moves we've made in recent years.

Roeder has been impressed by the 38-year-old's fitness levels, but has suggested that the former Czech international's popularity at the club was a factor behind the decision too: "By bringing him back until the end of the year it will be great for our team spirit". Certainly he was something of a fans' favourite, and no doubt he'll be relishing the possibility of dusting off that "Pavel is a Geordie" T-shirt from the 1993 promotion-winning season, not to mention enjoying hooking up with Lee Clark again.

Pav will provide cover for Steve Harper while Shay Given is out injured, the highly-rated Tim Krul regarded as too young to be pitched into the Premiership fray just yet.

The move for Srnicek came after Ronald Waterreus turned us down. Roeder explained: "To be fair to the lad we asked him to come, but he felt he did not have the match fitness in the three months we wanted him for. He could have come here and taken the money and it is to his credit that he has decided not to do this. He has been extremely honest and you have to applaud him for this". A footballer not eager to line his own pockets at our expense? Thank you for bucking the trend, Ronald...