IT was Kevin Keegan, back on Tyneside this afternoon with his Manchester City side, who first established the French connection at Newcastle when he signed the flamboyant David Ginola from Paris St. Germain some seven-and-a-half years ago.

While Ginola was initially a huge hit with the Geordie fans, his Gallic posturing soon became galling, not least to Keegan's successor, dour Scot Kenny Dalglish.

Ginola was sold after only two years on Tyneside and just six months into Dalglish's managerial reign.

So began Newcastle's love-hate relationship with the French. Almost without exception, each cross-channel arrival at St. James' Park has brought with him some excess baggage.

The latest to drive Sir Bobby Robson to distraction - and he's known a few in his three years and four months as United boss - is one he imported himself: Laurent Robert.

Like Ginola, Robert is a left winger bought from PSG who is capable of genius; and like Ginola, he isn't noted for his workrate.

This has prompted criticism from teammates, fans and the media.

The outspoken Robert, who frequently airs forthright views about his side's efforts on his personal website, has been involved in a series of bust-ups with colleagues, football staff and even a local journalist.

This week he moved swiftly to dissociate himself from an article in a Sunday tabloid in which he was quoted as saying there was a dressing-room split at Newcastle between English and foreign players.

Among other things, he was also alleged to have said that skipper Alan Shearer puts himself before everyone else.

In a statement issued through the club, Robert strenuously denied making such comments.

But the episode once again underlined the fragile entente cordiale that has been a constant feature of Newcastle's dealings with a legion of Frenchmen.

Here, Northern Echo Sport reminds Newcastle supporters of a Dirty Dozen who, in one way or another, have caused something of a stink on the banks of the Tyne.

DAVID GINOLA (1995-97): Bewitched the fans with his skills in his first season under Keegan, who bought him from PSG for £2.5m. Virtually ever-present as the Magpies finished runners-up to Manchester United in the Premiership title race.

When Keegan sensationally quit mid-way through the following season and Dalglish took over, Ginola was largely persona non grata. Started only seven games for Dalglish before being off-loaded to Spurs in a deal which saw Newcastle recoup their money. Went on to play for Aston Villa and Everton. Currently unattached.

DAVID TERRIER (1998): Defender who was signed on a free transfer by Dalglish after a spell with West Ham. Was released without making a senior appearance.

LIONEL PEREZ (1998-2000): The unorthodox goalkeeper was a cult figure at Sunderland and a cheeky free transfer signing by Dalglish.

But he, too, failed to make a senior competitive appearance for Newcastle and joined Cambridge United on a free at the end of Bobby Robson's first season in charge. Now playing for Enfield in the Ryman League.

STEPHANE GUIVARC'H (June '98 to November '98): A World Cup winner who was one of the biggest flops in Newcastle's history.

The striker was, to be fair, partly a victim of circumstances, having been signed by Dalglish from Auxerre for £3.5m only two months before the manager was sacked and replaced by Ruud Gullit. Scored on his debut but made only two starts before moving to Rangers for the same fee. Career finished by cruciate ligament injury last year.

LAURENT CHARVET (1998-2000): Another signed by Dalglish shortly before his dismissal.

A versatile defender, who arrived from Cannes for £520,000, and played a big part in his first season. Hit by injuries and sold by Robson to Manchester City for £1.5m. Just completed a move back to France with Sochaux after being without a club since October.

DIDIER DOMI (1998-2001): The attack-minded left-back was signed by Gullit from PSG for £3.5m.

Accused Robson of being out of date with his coaching methods and went AWOL, bizarrely claiming he was the target of a fans' hate campaign because of his muslim beliefs, though the walk-out had more to do with his determination to engineer a move. Newcastle threatened to freeze him out of football before agreeing his £3m return to PSG.

LOUIS SAHA (1999): Gullit loan signing from Metz who hit two goals in six starts. A memorable strike in an FA Cup fifth-round replay victory at Blackburn helped the Magpies to a Wembley final appearance.

Was troubled by injuries and Gullit didn't make the deal permanent. Moved to Fulham a year later and was the country's leading scorer with 32 goals as the Cottagers romped to the Division One title in 2001.

ALAIN GOMA (1999-2001): An accomplished defender recruited by Gullit from PSG for £4.8m. Injury-prone, he constantly sniped at Newcastle, claiming they showed a lack of ambition.

Demanded a transfer, but Robson warmed to him as he produced a string of sterling performances before sealing a £4m move to Fulham.

FRANCK DUMAS (1999-2000): The defender was a Gullit capture from Monaco for £500,000 and another troubled by strangely stubborn injuries.

Made only seven appearances in as many months on Tyneside before Robson, who admired his qualities as a player, reluctantly shipped him out to Marseille for £1.25m.

OLIVIER BERNARD (2000-03): The left-back vowed never to return to St. James' Park last summer, insisting his two-year deal was up and he had become frustrated by a dearth of first-team opportunities.

Signed pre-contract with West Ham, but a Premier League tribunal backed the Magpies' claim that they had an option on him for a third season. Lost his appeal and subsequently signed a new three-year deal.

All this after he had fought a legal battle to win his release from Lyon to join United.

LAURENT ROBERT (2001-03): As already explained, winger Robert has caused a few ructions in the 18 months since Robson signed him from PSG for £9.5m.

Robson is on record as saying he is the most difficult player he has had to deal with in 35 years in management.

Shearer had him in a dressing-room headlock after one game, and Robert also clashed on the training ground with Andy Griffin.

SYLVAIN DISTIN (2001-02): Defender who operates either in the middle or at left-back. Joined on loan from yes, you guessed it, PSG. Spoke of his eagerness to make the deal permanent and Newcastle agreed a £4m fee with his club. But he couldn't agree personal terms and Keegan's Manchester City nipped in to close a deal. Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd said Distin's motives - he reputedly demanded £25,000-a-week - were "purely mercenary''.