Just read the interview he did with Jimmy Hill on sky sports. He had nothing but great things to say about Newcastle the the fans, really class lad, always liked him. You've got to admire someone that plays for a different team and still says the fans of a previous club are the best in the world. Chest swells with pride. Proud to be a Geordie!

-- Anonymous, September 22, 2000

Answers

Agree Syme, I was going to pen a note about him last week after reading an article about his bad luck at Leeds since leaving. A week is a long time in my memory bank and I have forgot the medical term he is quoted as having, sadly reading between the lines IMHO he will not play again, someone else may have seen the article and maybe could inform you better, type of heart problem I think.

-- Anonymous, September 22, 2000

I hadn't realised he had career, posssibly life-threatening, condition. Real shame - wish him well. In fact, may drop him a line.
For a spell, when he first came to the Toon, KK had him believing he was truly World-class, and playing accordingly - the complete midfield player. Someone on here very recently said that we've never really replaced him.
Sadly, TSM then came in and filled his head with negative cr@p again, and he under that influence reverted to being a spoiler - and a nasty one at that.

It's amazing the affect different managers can have on some players.

-- Anonymous, September 22, 2000

Certainly one of our more colourful characters...usually red if memory serves. Still a hero, especially for grabbing hold of Butt by the throat when the little scamp was getting a bit excited :-)

Always seemed to have Leeds at heart, but a true pro for us (similar to Rob Lee)/

Bon chance, mon ami!

-- Anonymous, September 22, 2000

Sorry I was never keen, I always saw him as the one who marginalised Clarkie whom I thought would be the answer to Englands prayers.

-- Anonymous, September 22, 2000

we could do a lot worse than having a Batty in midfield right now (No Ali G jokes). At least he gave his all and won the ball. From the vibes about Bassedas I get, Batty and Bassedas would be an ideal partnership, beauty and the beast.

-- Anonymous, September 25, 2000