Changing of the rear guard

Comings and goings in our defence this week, as the protracted purchase of Fabricio Coloccini from Deportivo was finally concluded. The long haired Argentinian takes Stephen Carr's now thankfully vacant (and no doubt well stretched) number 2 shirt.

Passing him in the doorway at St James Park is Abdoulaye Faye, who has now gone to Premiership new boys Stoke in exchange for £2.25 million. Faye joins Toon old boys Andy Griffen and Amdy Faye in the Potters squad, the latter having been signed from Charlton this week - something which has, unsurprisingly, seen much rejoicing in the massed ranks of the Charlton faithful.

Judging by the fact that Stoke lost to Bolton 3-1 today, any addition to their defence can't come soon enough.