FCUK - The French connection.

Fans of Newcastle have had a few special French treats in the past. Not many admittedly, but certainly a few that will always remain in our hearts.

David Ginola, what a player. Friend of the 'blog Laurent Robert was marvellous French winger who excited us during the golden years of the late Sir Bobby Robson era. To a lesser extent, Charles N'Zogbia also had his highlights and could have been a superb player for us, but left to join a huge club.... Wigan.

Interesting to see that we've have always liked a French winger, but it's worth pointing out that there have been some other 'choice' French players to have walked onto the St James Park pitch. Remember Alain Goma? Yes lets try not to. Same with Jean-Alain Boumsong. Olivier Bernard was a good player mind. What a goal against Arsenal in that 3-1 win!

So from our history of French players it highlights an obvious problem - They can either be superb or they can be as forgetful as Andy Carroll after a night out with Kevin Nolan.

Since the close season we have somewhat decided to embark on a French revolution with the signing of Yohan Cabaye and Sylvain Marveaux and with Demba Ba being French speaking. It's a interesting move from the club. Since then we have been linked with a return for Charles N'Zogbia and are apparently looking to add Balise Matuidi and Mevlut Erdinc, who is Turkish admittedly, but has been at PSG for a while and will no doubt be fluent in the French lingo.

Add that to Hatem Ben Arfa and young Mehdi Abeid who is set to join and we have a very strong contingent of French players. How will this effect the squad and the team spirit though?

It's a interesting thought because since returning to the Premier League our team spirit has often got us through games that seemed lost. 4-4 Arsenal anyone? Guessing the impact it will have is nigh on impossible but why look on the downside all the time? I mean potentially it could have a positive effect couldn't it?

Looking at the group of French players we currently have in Cabaye, Ben Arfa and Marveaux, they have all played together at the U21 level for France. Add Matuidi and N'Zogbia into the mix and this could be five players who I would imagine know each others game and could strike up an understanding with each other instantly.

I personally feel that they are all technically astute, quality players and will add real Gallic flair to the side. It may upset the balance of the squad but I can see Alan Pardew trying to ensure that the players gel and bond quickly. He needs to aswell given the huge amount of turnover in the squad.

One thing is for certain, the players we have brought in so far are internationals for a reason. Yohan Cabaye is not in the French team because he goes missing in games and Demba Ba is a genuinely good finisher. I am less certain of Sylvain Marveaux but he is very highly rated, and although he is not an international player, he does apparently love to beat a man and score.... And likes a free-kick. Robert anyone?

Vive le revolution I say!

Note from Toonsy - A big thanks to Liam Southern Toon for contributing this, his second article, to the 'blog. You can read hos previous effort here.