Source: Telegraph
Newcastle United's rotten summer is capped by Joey Barton's release
By Telegraph staff[LNB]4:14PM BST 01 Aug 2011[LNB]Comments[LNB] No more Nolan Kevin Nolan is allowed to leave the club, despite being captain and one of his team's better players in recent seasons. Alan Pardew claims Nolan wanted a five year contract which he did not warrant, but some fans and reportedly Nolan himself are angry about his move to West Ham. [LNB]Darlington disgrace Some of Newcastle's 6,000-strong travelling contigent for a pre-season friendly against Darlington take advantage of low police numbers to invade the pitch after a goal. Darlington fans took exception and there were fights on the pitch. Managing director Derek Llambias is verbally attacked in a bar on the same night. [LNB]Visa issues Joey Barton and Nile Ranger are denied visas for Newcastle's pre-season tour of the USA for previous criminal convictions. New signing Yohan Cabaye also misses out for a rather more novel reason - a disputed dental bill. [LNB]Twitter twouble Impressive full-back Jose Enrique agitates for a move away with a rant on the microblogging site criticising the club's summer dealings: "The club is allowing all the major players of the team to go," he wrote. "Seriously, do you think it is the fault of the players? Andy [Carroll], nobby [Kevin Nolan] etc etc. This club will never again fight to be among the top six again with this policy." Joey Barton irritates the club so much when he weighs into the debate that he is immediately placed on the transfer list and made available for free. [LNB]Money moans A familiar and growing rift looms between supporters and board as the club's transfer strategy and the whereabouts of the £35m Liverpool paid for Andy Carroll is questioned. Long-term target Charles N'Zogbia has gone to Aston Villa and a deal for Melvut Erdinc of PSG looks dead in the water.. [LNB]Related Articles
