Fitness coach Paul Winsper announced he is to quit the club for a future ... in cricket ... and is the FOURTH to leave in less than three months.
I have my own theory about "injuries" and a struggling side. When Sir Bobby and Graeme Souness went through difficult times it was amazing how quickly the injury list grew. Both managers, when in charge at St James' Park, said "I've never known anything like it in all my years in football", and both thought certain foreigners were feigning injury. Coincidence? Could that be the reason Winsper is on his way? Naming names - when Albert Luque was dropped to play for the Reserves we had bets on how long he would last before he was stretchered off ... the winner picked up the money with his 9 minute prediction.
Maric, Marcelino and Bassedas all did it under Robson's reign, and I could mention two or three (still at the club) who did it under Souness.
Roeder has appointed Adrian Lamb from the club's academy to take Winsper's place.
Roeder: "Paul Winsper has decided that he needed a change and wanted his career to go in a different direction, and he leaves with our best wishes.
"I have worked with Paul since I came back to the club first as Academy director and now manager,and he is one of the most professional people I have ever worked with. We are all sorry to see him go."