Tidy!

There was much rejoicing on the streets of Cardiff today, with the news that the Bluebirds have sealed a sensational loan deal for the services of former Newcastle man Craig Bellamy. Bizarrely frozen out of the first-team frame at Man City, the No-Necked One elected to move to south Wales in spite of interest from a clutch of heavyweights, including Celtic, Spurs and Fulham - and perhaps also ourselves?

When Bellamy was spotted in the crowd when we met Cardiff last season and subsequently reminded of his birthplace and allegiances by one particularly vocal home supporter adamant he should be pulling on a Bluebirds shirt, it seemed like the delusional rantings of a loon. But time has proven otherwise, and the move shouldn't actually come as so much of a surprise given the player's prior intimations that it was the only destination he was seriously considering. Family reasons, supposedly, though he will at least be able to get along to Gwdihw more often too...

Of course, Bellamy's arrival spells trouble for another Toon old boy. Agent Chopra already has two goals to his name this season, but as a gambling man he'll know the odds are against him retaining his starting place.

Incidentally, the Welsh captain's decision to drop down a division has prompted the Two Unfortunates to recall five stunning second tier signings of yesteryear - including, of course, the deal which took King Kev from Southampton to St James' in 1982.

Meanwhile, JJ is allegedly in demand by some of Europe's top clubs - I'm sure playing for Galatasaray, Juventus, Sampdoria or AC Milan wouldn't be like living in a goldfish bowl - and his former Toon team-mate Gary Speed has been confirmed as the new manager of Sheffield Utd. Best of luck, Gary.