There are three phrases used more than any other when it comes to writing about Michael Owen, which in various forms generally mean goals, injuries and comebacks. Having spent £17m to sign him from Real Madrid two years ago, there have been precious few goals and depressingly frequent references to the others for Newcastle United.
As a signing for United Owen, whether he likes it or not, has offered about as much value for money as fake Faberge egg. Both might cost a huge amount of money, but ultimately both purchases leave the buyer feeling conned. Given that he was supposed to be the precious jewel in United's crown, Owen's time in the North-East has been an unmitigated disaster.
However, and I feel this is important to stress, it is not Owen's fault that he has been almost constantly injured since he arrived as St James's Park and it was depressing to hear some Newcastle fans chant "We want our money back" when he was carried off on a stretcher in the final game of last season at Watford with concussion.
Signifcantly, it is a moment which has also left a bitter taste in Owen's mouth which he will hope to rinse away over the course of a new campaign.
Yes, Newcastle might have got more miles out of a vintage 1987 Skoda from Communist Czechsolovakia than they have from their star player, but Skoda offer great reliability and performance now they've been taken over by Volkswagon and Newcastle must hope the same is true of Owen following his latest rehabilitation.
It was interesting to speak to England fast bowler Steve Harmison this week, who described how thrilled Michael was to be fit and available for selection for the match against Aston Villa this weekend when he spoke to him this week.
After 18 months of injury frustration - and a fair bit of transfer speculation - all the 27-year-old wants to do is play football and score goals, which is all Newcastle fans also want from him as well.
I hope, rather than snipe at the England international because of his lack of appearances and the constant speculation linking him with a move away from the club, that he is given a rousing reception when he does come on as a substitute against Villa.
After all, if Owen stays fit - and yes that is the biggest of ifs at this stage - Newcastle have got the most valuable of assets, a 20-goal a season striker with something to prove.
Mind you, given that Sam Allardyce has shown a propensity for playing a 4-3-3 formation at Bolton and did so in his first Premiership game as Newcastle manager, where will Owen play in that line-up? Or will the manager, with Owen available, revert to a more traditional 4-4-2 because it is better suited to the club's record signing?
Decisions, decisions, decisions which I am not paid to make, although I can't see Allardyce changing everything round just to suit one player can you?
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