From teamtwalk

Da Silva to stay with Sparta ^top Sparta Rotterdam starlet David Mendes da Silva looks set to snub Newcastle and sign a one-year extension with the Dutch club. The 18-year-old defender, who has been tracked by Bobby Robson, made the decision to stay because of the arrival of former Dutch national team coach Frank Rijkaard. He said: "The coming of Rijkaard as new coach at Sparta made me decide to stay for one more year. "This is really a dream come true to me, while before that I really did not believe in a longer stay at Sparta at all. "Coach Willem van Hanegem left, Ali Elhattabi was gone and there were no reinforcements coming." Da Silva, who has been dubbed "the new Frank Rijkaard", had attracted attention from both Newcastle and Ajax, and it was believed that the youngster was on his way to St James' Park. The teenager said: "Newcastle and Sparta had already agreed a deal, and in my heart I already had chosen to join Newcastle." But he has now decided to extend his Sparta contract and is looking to play a part in the club's revival under Rijkaard.

Oh this is so much fun!!! AM

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2001

Answers

Mendes not coming, Kiko was a myth, Zenden out of the picture, Robert in doubt as PSG want all the money up front. Well at least we had a few days of hope. Back to the drawing board :-((

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2001

interesting times ahead for wor Stevo. Shame this.

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2001

Why don't we just give up?

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2001

Mixed feelings: probably in his own best interests though. Maybes a touch too young, and too soon in his career, to switch to the Premiership. If he continues developing next season, as well as the last, there will be more than us and Ajax chasing his signature next time. I'll enjoy watching him in next season.

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2001