Boumsong family worry

Monday 19 December, 2005

Newcastle defender Jean-Alain Boumsong is currently splitting his time between Tyneside and France as his wife and child are seriously ill.

The former Auxerre stopper has almost been with the Magpies for a year, but he has failed to show any real consistency in the Premiership.

However, as boss Graeme Souness explains, he has had plenty on his plate outside of football to worry about.

“Just recently, Jean-Alain has had a great deal to put up with,” said Souness. “His little lad has had several operations. His wife has been seriously ill.

“He has had to go back to France quite a lot because of what has happened. His wife has gone back to be with her family and Boum has gone over to see her.

“It is not for me to say what have been the problems with them. That would be wrong of me. But his boy was also seriously ill.”