Alex McLeish on Matt Ritchie absence “It’s private. It’s not something for me to discuss. You don’t know everyone’s private life so…”

You never know what you’ll get on an away trip but last Saturday Brian Standen ended up with Alex McLeish, a Chelsea Headhunter and his invisible umbrella.

I think Jonas Gutierrez will benefit by far the most from having a quality partnership of Ba and Cissé up front.

Jonas Gutierrez has been a great team player for Newcastle United, now he may well get the opportunity to be part of a great Newcastle United team.

Charlie Insomnia; “First time in my life I’m not happy playing football”.

While at same time Alex McLeish was raving about Jonas Gutierrez, talking about the Argentinian’s outstanding workrate, one minute creating chances and the next protecting his back four.