Signer ici monsieur Pancrate!It’s been announced on the official site that Newcastle United have struck a sweet deal for Fabrice Pancrate. The French midfielder/stirker has secured a deal until the end of the season, after impressing Chris Hughton in his two week trial, which involved a run out for the reserves against Hartlepool United, with yours truly in attendance.
He had a five year spell with Paris St Germain, which included loan spells at Real Betis and Sochaux. And was being pursued by a number of French and English clubs. He was followed in the summer by Portsmouth, Everton, Sheff Utd and Burnley but nothing came of the interest.
Hughton declared he had been happy with his endeavour and ability in the training sessions, and having been pacy and direct in the reserve game against Hartlepool it seemed to bode well for the Frenchman. Personally, I would have liked to have seen more of him to make my own judgement but clearly Hughton has had that luxury. As a supporter having seen him in just the one game, I would say if he can get at defences the way he did in spells the other night, then he will excite the crowd. I only hope he has a final product. (more…)
Injection of pace?In contrast to Chris Hughton’s recent statement that he was more than happy with the squad he has leading into the festive period, it’s being reported that Newcastle are interested in signing what be the latest in a line of French wingers.
Apparently following in the footsteps of David Ginola and Laurent Robert, Fabrice Pancrate could be joining us if rumours are to be believed. The reports are coming from France Football, who are generally well regarded in the game with regards their information. Basically, they won’t mention it unless there’s any truth in it.
Of course they are some French boots to fill as both Ginola and Robert offered something unique and exciting to the team. Admittedly, I don’t know anything about this fella but he’s described as a striker/attacking midfielder. He’s currently out of contract after his deal ran out at Paris St Germain, although he’s still training with them. He’s had a loan spell at Real Betis and is apparently being pursued by a number of French and English clubs. He was pursued in the summer by Portsmouth, Everton, Sheff Utd and Burnley.
The suggestion is that our pursuit has come out of the blue and that we now stand at the front of the queue with potentially a deal being struck quite quickly. He’s apparently like **** off a stick, so that could be the pace we’ve been crying out for this season. (more…)
