"The defender has told the media (and the Toon Army) that he is not producing his best football since his signing from Rangers, and full marks to Graeme Souness for trying to inspire him by handing him the captain's armband when Alan Shearer is not on the pitch. But there seems to be trouble behind the scenes at St James' Park.
"Although a slight injury scare was given as the excuse for Boumsong missing the match on Saturday, he said: "I did have a word with the manager and there are personal reasons why I didn't play."