By Peter Donnelly
March 8 2003

Sorry if we're a bit late with this story, but just to confirm, Christian Bassedas has left the club by mutual consent. The Midfielder, signed in the summer of 2001, rarely figured for Bobby Robson and it was clear he wasn't going to break into the side. Signed from his hometown club, Velez, in Argentina, Christian Bassedas was one of three signings in 2001's pre-season set-up, as he joined the club along with Daniel Cordone and Carl Cort. It was Robson's second season in charge and despite high hopes, the club could only manage 11th place for the second season running.

During that season Bassedas failed to cope with the physical nature of the Premiership and from then on he hardly got a look in.

He only made a couple of appearences from the bench last season and the Argentinian has not made any this season, rarely managing a substitute role either.

It was no suprise then that he and the club came to an agreement to end his contract and let the player go home - it was a pointless excercise letting him play reserve football every week and no doubt Bassedas would have been understandably fed up.

He actually had rave reviews before he arrived and always looked to play good football, so he clearly has talent - earning 20+ caps for Argentina must be a sign of that - so good luck in the future, Christian.