There haven't been many times in recent years that Newcastle United fans have had reason to look on enviously at the events unfolding at the Stadium of Light but now could be one such occasion.
As the Magpies labour ineffectively in the transfer market and Kevin Keegan attempts to put a brave face on whenever talking about the lack of depth to his squad, Roy Keane has done a pretty good job of strengthening his options with players who, if not world beaters, have proven themselves in the Premier League over a number of years.
The Magpies may be trying to sign a better class of player, but it is still annoying when your bitter rivals are welcoming a steady stream of new arrivals and you're stuck in limbo waiting for an Argentinean defender with a curly mullet to sign from Deportivo La Coruna.
Fabricio Coloccini is a highly-rated defender in Spain and, as an Argentina international he is certainly no mug, but we've seen time and time again how foreign players - and particularly defenders - can struggle to settle in the Premier League. It normally takes them at least six months and some never manage to get their head around out style of play.
Just look at David Rozehnal. An established international for the Czech Republic who initially looked as though he would be an inspired purchase only to lose his way at the first sign of physical contact.
Coloccini may well prove to be twice the player, but at least Sunderland know what they are going to get with Teemu Tainio, Pascal Chimbonda and El Hadji Diouf. As I've said, they're not earth shattering signings, but they will undoubtedly improve Sunderland's squad.
Talking of Diouf, Sunderland supporters will hope the Senegal international has learnt to keep his spit to himself now that he is a Sunderland player. The striker has, after all, appeared to have been to the same school for charm as Joey Barton hasn't he?!
As for Newcastle, questions are starting to be asked about exactly what Dennis Wise and Tony Jimenez - the club's specially recruited recruitment team - have been doing all summer considering the Magpies have missed out on both Luka Modric and Pablo Aimar since the end of last season.
As things stand, despite the encouraging signing of Jonas Gutierrez and the fact Danny Guthrie has looked a decent buy in pre-season, Newcastle's squad is still desperately short on both quality and numbers.
It does not look like owner Mike Ashley has any intention of sanctioning a major spending spree - so much for the hope the billionaire would put some of his own money in to buy players eh? - but hopefully the club will still manage to sign the players Keegan desperately needs on the limited budget available.
Yes, Newcastle have some excellent players, but how often will Mark Viduka and Michael Owen play in the same side when you look at their history of injuries? How long can Nicky Butt keep going? Will Charles N'Zogbia get his head out of his backside long enough to show what a talent he is and where on earth is the creativity that's supposed to be a hallmark of Keegan's sides?
As for the French defender Sebastien Bassong who has signed this week from Metz, I've been told he had a trial at Wolverhampton Wanderers last season but failed to make the grade! Hardly encouraging, but I suppose at 22 he is young and I doubt Keegan has signed him to be first-choice centre-half next season.
For me, unless at least three or four top quality players are signed before the close of the transfer window, Newcastle will struggle to finish in the top half of the table, let along challenge for a Uefa Cup place. I just hope the people who control the purse strings at St James's Park realise this as well.
And that, folks, is it from me for a while. Please excuse the lack of activity on this blog since I returned from Portugal, but as some of you know I'm getting married this weekend so don't expect to hear from me for a couple of weeks. Please still leave your comments/complaints/whatever and I'll put them up when I get back. Wish me luck, I might just need it!
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