Newcastle United have surprised everyone this season and sit third in the league going into the November international break, with Alan Pardew putting together a hard working, talented side that are confident of beating anyone in the division. 25 points from 11 games is a stunning return from the side that sit just one point behind the Champions and are comfortably in the Champions League places.
A summer of signings and speculation was captivating for a neutral as St James Park was once again the home to controversy and negativity. The summer began with the shock departure of captain and former top scorer Kevin Nolan to Championship side West Ham as he once again linked up with former Toon boss Sam Allardyce. The fee is still undisclosed but though to be around £5million, Nolan went cheap in the Geordies eyes and doubts began to fill the supporters’ heads.
The outspoken midfielder Joey Barton was the first to slam the club for this transfer policy and he soon found himself in the reserves and not having a future at the club after comments made about the clubs hierarchy. Pardew made his feelings clear, that he wanted Barton to stay in the reserves until he felt he was committed to the North East club once again. After seemingly been forgiven, Barton played in the opening game of the season against Arsenal and was once again in the thick of the action.
Just days later Barton was released formally on a free and with interest high in the aggressive midfielder, QPR snapped him up on a five-year-deal and his time at Newcastle was at an end. The Geordie fans clearly appreciated what Barton had done for them and gave him a standing ovation when Newcastle travelled to QPR just weeks later.
Both Barton and Nolan were considered two of the best players in the Newcastle side last season, hard working, goal-scoring midfielders that are not easy to come by in the English game. However, the attitudes of the players and the ego that was building around them could have been a valid reason for Pardew getting rid of the players during the summer.
Nolan scored 30 goals in his 91 games for Newcastle, making him a valuable member of the side who on to be captain when they returned to the Premier League two years ago. His top moments will have been lead by a hat-trick against rivals Sunderland in October 2010. Nolan publicly criticised the clubs sacking of much loved manager Chris Hughton before Pardew came in and this may have been a point that Nolan did not let go of in the summer.