"Pav The Geordie" has been back on Tyneside for a week now. And what was simply a holiday has turned into a three-month deal for Newcastle.
The Czech international first signed from Banik Ostrava back in 1991 and made his league debut in the home 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday. He was bought to replace "Budgie" Burridge and became a Toon favourite.
15 years on, Glenn Roeder has confirmed Newcastle are on the verge of signing the 38-year-old, after three other out-of-contract goalkeepers turned him down. He will obviously cover for the injured Shay Given as Steve Harper's number two for the coming weeks.
Roeder: "He's 38 but he really is super-fit. There is no way anyone can say he is past it. And don't forget keepers like David Seaman played until they were 40. He was still playing football in Portugal in May and, if we need him, we will all have complete confidence in him.
For those interested, the team that played against Sheff Wed on Pav's debut: NEWCASTLE (April 17 1991) Srnicek, Watson, Stimson, Roche, Scott, Kristensen, Clark, Peacock, Quinn, Hunt, Brock. Subs: Howey, O'Brien.