From the orrificial site

PISTONE ON THE WAY BACK Alessandro Pistone makes a remarkable return to action tonight, playing for Newcastle United's Reserve team less than three months after breaking his leg while playing for the first team. Pistone has been named in 15 man squad for the game at Blackburn, two months and three weeks after breaking his leg at the Stadium Of Light against Sunderland. It has always been felt that the Italian defender would be out for the season, but Bobby Robson says the fact he has worked so hard in training is testimony to his spirit and determination. " He could so easily have sat back and just let things drift until the end of the season, after all he did break his leg, " said the United Manager this afternoon. " But it is of great credit to him that he has worked tremendously hard to get back to where he is now. " He has trained very hard and worked tirelessly recently, a great example to a lot in the game. I don't want to tempt fate, but if everything goes well he could be back in the squad for the game against Coventry at the weekend. The full squad for tonight's game: Jose Antunes, Gary Caldwell, Laurent Charvet, Diego Gavilan, Andy Griffin, Michael Harris, John Karelse, Brian Kerr, Marcelino, Silvio Maric, Ian Martin, Jamie McClen, Alessandro Pistone, Andy Walker

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2000

Answers

Credit to the lad. He's been much maligned in the past, but an attitude like that says a lot for his character. Somehow, I don't think he'd have made the same effort under the previous manager. But then again, he wouldn't have broken his leg at the SoS under the previous manager either!

Good luck Sandro.

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2000

Good for him! Swift recovery and raring to go! (:o)

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2000

Booked after 10 minutes!! But played the full 90. Perhaps that's why we lost 3-0 ;-))

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2000

Who says he has no heart. Oh that's right the NUFC players and most of you lot on the old BBS. Well done wor Pist one and don't let the knockers get you down

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2000

bake, is this on the right thread?

Shouldn't it be on the TITS thread:o)

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2000

Bake - I wasn`t one of the `knockers` on the old BBS - once he settled in, I thought he showed loads of promise, and I for one am looking forward to seeing him back in the first team. (:o)

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2000

Sounds like he has just the attributes for being Shearer's standin while he's away larnin the ropes, eh ? -)

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2000