Mackem Mick won't play second fiddle to JFK

When the Silver Fox asked JFK to go out and get him a striker, he probably didn't envisage his boss returning with a Mackem who last turned out for us more than 30 years ago. Needless to say, JFK couldn't even get that deal "over the line" (to use the Silver Fox's favourite phrase), with Mick Harford rejecting a second move to St James' Park.

Announcing his decision, Harford said: "It was an honour to be asked to work at a fantastic club." However, the fact that he's a friend and former colleague of JFK and yet still turned down the offer of becoming his deputy in favour of the assistant manager's job at perennial Championship strugglers Millwall speaks volumes about how attractive a proposition we are at the present moment - to players and backroom staff alike.