The hidden benefit of Hatem Ben Arfa.

The people that have access to the writing side of the blog will have known this for a while, but I've had this article planned for a day or so now.

The fact that The Chronicle have picked up on it either means there is an insider leaking stuff out, or they have have access to my little secret area, or it's all just a bit of coincidence. Whichever it may be, it's nice to see a bit of the same train of thought with regard to NUFC for a change.

Basically, as you may guess by the headline, it's about the role that Hatem Ben Arfa has apparently been playing when it comes to attracting players to the club. Granted it's probably not the role that most of us would have had Ben Arfa down for, but it's been important all the same. Long may it continue!

It seems that Hatem holds some sway in has native France. Quite rightly too. I mean this is a player who was touted as being the future of French football not so long back so naturally there will be a lot of attention on him. Consequently this has put a lot of attention on Newcastle, and for once it's good attention.

It seems that the French are pretty impressed with us. This all came about as a result of Hatem Ben Arfa's injury and the way the club supported him and stuck by him when it could have been oh so easy just to walk away. Graham Carr first brought it to our attention a few months back - about the positive French media coverage - which can only be a good thing surely?

It doesn't end there though. It seems that it's not only the impression that we've given of ourselves that is at play when it comes to incoming transfers. Additionally Ben Arfa himself has taken it upon himself to give glowing references about the club to potential new recruits.

First up there was Demba Ba, who admitted that he'd spoken to Hatem prior to his move to Newcastle. Players talk, and it seems that the words of Ben Arfa were heeded by the striker as he completed his move to Newcastle from West Ham.

Then there is Sylvain Marveaux who today revealed that he to had spoken to our French wizard and had once again received a glowing reference from the current No37. It seems that the passion and fervour of the fans is something Ben Arfa appreciates and he is quite willing to tell people about it.

The sale of Kevin Nolan and lack of a new deal for each of Joey Barton and Jose Enrique seem to be dominating things at the moment, so isn't it nice and refreshing to see someone from within the club, a player no less, selling the club and the vision to his countrymen, or in fact to anyone that will lend an ear. This has to be a good thing surely?

Sorry if this is too positive for some, but I love the fact that Ben Arfa holds the club in such high regard. He's not been here long and he's hardly played so he doesn't have to do any of this does he? He could just as easily say that he doesn't really know what it's like as he hasn't had time to bed in, or something like that.

So next time you think about what we've missed from Ben Arfa, remember that whilst he may not have played as much as we would all have liked, he has still been working for the club...... in the transfer market.

I wonder if he could have a word with some more of his countrymen? ;)