It's usually a time when fine tooth- combs are needed to help scour the back pages for the odd meaninless snippet about our club.

Perfect timing, then, for the Newcastle United board to indulge in something it has managed to hone down to a fine art - shooting itself squarely in the foot.

We refer, of course to the departure of Chief Executive, David Stonehouse, for "personal reasons". This is another backward step for the club and a couple of loyal "yes" men are already in situ.

David will still be seen at St. James' as he kept his season ticket going, even when he worked for the unwashed at the Stadium of Plight.

Meanwhile, our transfer dealings leave the pulses untouched. Are old-boys and bargain-buys really the way forward?

Niall Mackenzie