As United's heroes stood in front of 3,000 ecstatic travelling fans milking their fifth successive victory when travelling England's green fields one player who had contributed nothing of significance to the clinical topping of Southampton was thrust forward to take rapturous applause. Just as he ought to have been.

Geordies are always grateful to those who have served them well and Miggy Almiron has done just that over the last six years. Now he going back to where we found him, Atlanta United in America, and he does so with thanks from me and every NUFC fan who appreciated his relentless running and effort on our behalf.

Almiron's exit has been the only bit of business concluded so far (and likely to be) in another vastly disappointing transfer window leaving Newcastle's squad actually weakened overall with the departure of a senior player and no one brought in. At a time when United need strengthening to help their gallant fight for Europe and the Carabao Cup fans will be frustrated but not surprised.

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Atlanta and Miggy kindly held back the completion of the deal for two reasons - the MLS transfer window doesn't open until Friday and therefore he couldn't be officially registered before then anyway and being desperately thin on bodies United wanted to use him on the bench until the very last moment. Hence his appearance at Southampton and his 'goodbye' gesture afterwards.

Miggy kept us afloat in the drab times pre-Eddie Howe and the takeover bringing a splash of colour to grey days but the truth is that one season apart he was never a goalscoring superstar. Indeed his beginning to life as a Magpie was as dry as the Sahara - unbelievably Miggy didn't score in his first 26 games stretching from the January to Christmas having 46 attempts without notching.

His one season of scoring note was 2022-23 when he racked up 11 in the Premier League as United secured Champions League football. All in his PL goals record stands at only 23. Rapidly approaching his 31st birthday on February 10 and after 223 appearances in Toon colours he is to depart our shores taking that infectious smile with him. Time moves on but ta, bonny lad, for your efforts. Come back and see us any time.