Graeme Souness: Give Boumsong A Break

By Matt Jones
December 18 2005

Under-fire defender Jean-Alain Boumsong has the full backing of manager Graeme Souness, who has lept to his defence. Boumsong has made a series of errors since arriving on Tyneside last season from Rangers for £8 million, but Scottish boss Souness reveals serious family issues.

GRAEME SOUNESS: "Jean-Alain has had problems off the pitch. His little lad off the pitch has had several operations and his wife has been seriously ill.

"Jean-Alain has had a great deal to put up with.

"People don't realise how much it affects him but he has got on with his game.

"I work with him every day and I can see his character.

"He is the first one to hold up his hand if he makes a mistake. He is still new and getting used to English football.

"He has been in our football nearly a year and I'm very happy with him."