And Gateshead-born Don Hutchison says he would like to see Newcastle and the Mackems start games with local lads!
We have Steven Taylor and the Ameobi brothers; but it is the French players that seem to be a concern to Hutchison.
Don Hutchison: “Look, it’s hard to disagree with Newcastle’s policy to have, what is it, 11,12 or 13 and more French-speaking players in the squad.
“But it is a worry for young local boys who want to play for their teams.
"It would be great to see Sunderland and Newcastle start games with say six local lads in the XI.
"I’m not sure when we would ever see that.
“The French boys, to be fair, look good. Moussa Sissoko has made a brilliant and instant impact. We all know that Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Afra are top drawer and we’ll see how the rest settle.
“I don’t really agree with the theory that the Premier League is not what it was. Newcastle played great football last season. West Brom and Swansea have done that this season.
“Manchester United are going to win the league, but City, Spurs and Chelsea are strong teams. It’s still a great league.”