Tenuous links

A bit of research in advance of the derby on Sunday has brought up a curious bit of trivia which might add a bit of spice to an already spicy affair. In fairness it will add about as much as a pinch of paprika to a vindaloo!

A flick through the wonderful resource that is www.nufc.com shows that back in the dark days of 2004, both the wonderful Habib Beye and Sunderland's podgy-paddy Andy Reid were courted by the disaster that is Graeme Souness. Missing out on then forest player Reid was a blessing in disguise but which magnificent defender did we get from French football that season? Beye? Nah, Boumsong!

3 years later and Beye came to the toon, just in time to put Reid in his pocket on Sunday. Big Sam got something right at least...