I don't want to piss on your parade mate but the Toon has spent many a pretty penny and seen little return on the pitch. Owen at £17m looks a bit steep. He scored well for Real in his limited appearances, but he was playing against Spanish defences and receiving quality support from midfield. I hope Mickey does well for England's sake, but I'd be surprised if the Shearer/Owen partnership is any less of a flop that Blackburn's Cole/Yorke partnership last season.

On the plus side: Scott Parker was a very good investment -a hardy, dogged combative midfielder who can make a real impact.