Yohan Cabaye

[Cjay]

In 1989 32 year old Scottish midfielder Gordon Strachan was persuaded to drop down a division to join LUFC.

The following season he captained the side to promotion scoring 17 goals in the process.

Today on his 33 birthday experienced French playmaker Yohan Cabaye has surprisingly been released from his lucrative contract in Dubai by Al-Nasr.

The french international has had a sparkling career in England shining for both Newcastle and more recently Crystal Palace.

His technical ability, creative vision and wonderful long range striking ability made him a hero for the Toon army.

While the reasons for his departure arent known its safe to assume it wasnt financial.

Like Pablo Hernandez before him who left European football for the riches of the Middle East maybe he found the level was below him, realised he had so much more left to give rather then just picking up his hefty pay cheque.

Or maybe his family couldn't settle there, or perhaps simply with him now being a part owner of an American football club he will go to America to play for them (be such a waste imo of a player clearly still with a lot left in the tank).

But dreaming slightly, could we tempt him?

If he wanted a significant wage around the 40-50k mark would it be worth it?

There is absolutely no suggestion anywhere we are interested but be daft of us not to ask the question surely.

[weasel]

Suppose a lot would depend on his level of fitness - Strachan was a model pro who kept himself in excellent shape and dropped down to us from a competitive league. Not sure whether the Dubai league would even be as strong as the championship - don't forget that Pablo Hernandez joined us from Dubai and his fitness levels weren't great. Seems it is almost a retirement home for footballers.

[YorkshireSquare]

Summer signing fine, but now not so sure.

From Bielsa we have learned that no player will play for the first team until they are;

i) Up to speed an on-board with the tactics and style of play and..
ii) Super fit

I can't imagine playing for Al-Nasr is up to the pace and physicality of the Championship. If we did sign he would be at least a month away from the first team, this is why Bielsa is favouring bringing the youngsters through.