The main reason is this: Announcing a running mate offers a campaign the rare opportunity to drive a message on its own terms, so why waste that opportunity in the summer when voters are not yet fully tuned in to the campaign?

CNN: Romney risks playing running mate hand too early

Does this mean they have lost an opportunity to find the perfect mate?

FORBES: I Graduated From Princeton, And I Married a Princeton Man

Centre-half Laville is relishing the opportunity to join up with former team-mate Bruno Ngotty.

BBC: Florent Laville

"We found that children are interested in coding if you give them the opportunity to do it, " said his team mate Gareth Latty.

BBC: Students spend summer on Raspberry Pi and talking web

And along with former Chelsea team-mate David Speedie, Roberts hopes that the supporters at St James' Park will take up the opportunity.

BBC: Roberts seeks Magpies fan support