Colo stays on as Captain, for now at least

Kissed and made up? Newcastle have been given a further boost with the news that Fabricio Coloccini will remain at Newcastle United until at least the end of the season.

Colo had reportedly been looking to move back to Argentina amidst personal problems, but the fact that he is tied down to a contract has prevented him from doing so as United failed to let one of their prize assets leave for nothing.

The most surprising thing for me is that he will retain the captaincy, which is good news of course. Presumably player and manager have been in dialogue and Alan Pardew is happy enough with the focus and commitment of Coloccini ahead of the final 15 games of the season. I also presume more talks will be planned for the summer when the ultimate decision over his future will be made.

"Coloccini is going to stay with us and will remain as captain, which is fantastic news for us," Pardew told the club website.

"We have managed to persuade him that, as much as his family, we need him. He has shown fantastic loyalty to continue playing and see us through to the summer at the very least."

"It's a situation that me and Colo have been on a personal journey, to make sure that he understands that he has a big responsibility here to fans and to families of this Club."

"This Club has been relegated once before and people lost their jobs here. We need in and around us, and I'm pleased to say he has agreed to accept that."

This "personal journey" sounds very happy-clappy to me but if it's worked then fair enough. The fact is that we need experience in our situation and Colo has been through it all before. It also gives us a chance to integrate the new signings rather than launching them in unaided.

So it's finally sorted and at least a temporary line can be drawn underneath it all. If Colo does only stay until the summer then at least it gives us a chance to replace him properly rather than leaving us with six days or less to fill his boots. Mind you the rate we've been making signings this week, six days would be ample time!

More good news! I could get used to this...