Sonstiges » stance.Firstly, the notion that Beardsley

Newcastle United were nine points clear at the top of the Premier League when Kevin Keegan signed Faustino Asprilla in February 1996. Results deteriorated, the Magpies were pipped to the title and Asprilla was blamed. But is that fair? With the help of Steve Howey, Adam Bate examines the evidence… When title bids go wrong its natural to look for reasons. In such circumstances, its change - any change - that will be seen as an obvious explanation. New signings are always going to come under the spotlight when the blame game begins and English football is littered with such examples.Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Corrigan called it madness signing Rodney Marsh to bolster their chances in the spring of 1972 and Aston Villa faded badly after buying Tony Cascarino in March 1990. But most famously of all, there was the arrival on Tyneside of Faustino Asprilla in February 1996. Kevin Keegans thrilling Newcastle side had picked up 57 points from 24 games prior to signing Asprilla, but accumulated only 21 points from their remaining 14 fixtures. The sequence included a crucial home defeat to eventual champions Manchester United and a famous 4-3 loss at Liverpool.Even some involved point to Asprilla. Prior to Tino arriving, we had Les Ferdinand and Peter Beardsley through the middle, myself on the right and David Ginola on the left, said Keith Gillespie. But I became the fall-guy to accommodate Asprilla and Peter was moved to the right wing.The players became a bit miffed by the changes because they upset the whole way the team played. Ill always remember Rob Lee speaking to Kevin a few weeks later to ask him to put me back into the team because the players wanted to go back to the formation that had worked so well.When even a Newcastle team-mate sees things in such terms, its easy to buy into the narrative. But delve a little deeper, examine the matches that saw Keegans men surrender their advantage and it becomes apparent just how much the outcome has shaped our view of events. Asprilla arrived in English football to much excitement in 1996 No wonder Beardsley calls the prevailing narrative an absolute disgrace, while Ferdinand views such sentiments as ludicrous with Newcastles top scorer in that 1995/96 season instead pointing succinctly to the problem of not having any tactics. This was not one mans burden to carry.However, whats clear is that having won their three previous Premier League games ahead of the deal that brought Asprilla to the club, the coming of the Colombian undeniably represented something of a defining moment in the season. Even the very manner of it demanded attention.Picked up in a private jet from Italy, Asprilla was a genuine star. Hed been part of a Parma side that had thrived in the continents toughest league, winning three European trophies. There are claims that even his interpreter was paid more than first-team regular Robbie Elliott.He first arrived in a teddy bear coat which was covered in snow, Beardsley told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle. He was shivering and probably wondering what he had done. Tino only flew in the day before we played at Middlesbrough, but KK had him on the team coach straight away. Asprilla sits behind Kevin Keegan and Terry McDermott at Middlesbrough Asprilla had a glass of wine before coming on for his debut in the second half of that match. The forward, then 26, has since insisted that he felt he adapted quite quickly to English football. Re-examine those early games in a Newcastle shirt and its clear the claim is not without substance.Firstly, the notion that Beardsley was moved out of position to accommodate Asprilla is not quite so clear-cut. The veterans flexibility had long been utilised. In the game prior to Asprillas arrival, with Ginola injured, Paul Kitson had come in up front. It was evident Newcastle needed more options.Secondly, it was Asprilla who turned the game around on his debut. With Newcastle 1-0 down at Middlesbrough, they scored twice after he came on. It was a heroic introduction. Even in defeat on his first start against West Ham next time out, it would be absurd to hold Asprilla responsible.With Ginola still injured, Asprilla did not replace Gillespie. Instead, he came in for the injured Rob Lee and was arguably Newcastles best player - hitting a post after skinning Slaven Bilic and almost winning a penalty, too. He did some superb things, acknowledged Hammers boss Harry Redknapp. Asprilla slices through the heart of the West Ham defence Keegan enthusiastically