You could write a book about Bernard's career at Newcastle. United's tussle with Lyon to sign him in the first place; first team appearances then he decided he wanted to go to West Ham and took Newcastle to court; then a new deal at St James' Park and he legged it to Southampton.
Anyway ... Roeder brought him back, more in desperation than anything else, because Freddy Shepherd had "cocked up" four deals on the last day of the transfer market, and Bernard was a free agent and COULD sign after the transfer window closed. But he was struck down with a hip problem before he could return to first team action, and in November he was ruled out for the rest of the season.
Roeder said the Frenchman would not be offered a new contract in the summer, and that was the end of it!
Well ... not quite. Because Bernard is included in the Reserve squad that travels to Wigan on Wednesday, and from what we hear, he could be involved.
Is there life in the old dog yet?