Eleven players released by Newcastle United

Newcastle United have confirmed that Danny Guthrie, Peter Lovenkrands and Alan Smith have been released by the club, after their contracts came to an end. 

The three senior players were part of 11 players listed on the Premier League’s released players list. Also heading out of the club are   youngsters Samuel Adjei, Philip Airey, Ryan Donaldson, Stephen Folan, Jeff Henderson, Tamas Kadar, Greg McDermott and Patrick Nzuzi.

The club has offered new contracts to Paul Dummett, Bradden Inman, Conor Newton, Michael Richardson and James Tavernier.

Alan Smith purportedly turned down a coaching role last week and is currently in negotiations with MK Dons, where he was on loan in their failed pushed promotion.

Peter Lovenkrands was ruled out for the season with a thigh injury in the first week of March.

25-year old Danny Guthrie has struggled to retain a place in the Newcastle midfield given the form of Yohan Cabaye and Cheik Tiote this season. His last appearance was in the  2 – 0 win against former club Liverpool.

Given his age and talent it is not surprising that the Toon favourite is a target for a host of Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa, WBA, QPR and promoted club Reading. He scored a terrific goal against one of his suitors, Fulham, back in January.

Looking at the list of players released across the League, there is a wealth of experience and a host of surprise names available, although some such as Ledley King may be re-signed, enough indeed to make up a team.

Here’s our free agents… ten ?

Juusi Jaaskelainen – Zat Knighy, Ledley King, Jose Bosingwa – Salomon Kalou, Danny Murphy, Owen Hargreaves, Paul Sharner – Didier Drogba, Hugo Rodallega

You will note that we are missing a decent left-back. Disappointing, but at least we are not missing a midfield. Let us know your thoughts with a comment below.

NUFCfans.co.uk would like to thank Danny Guthrie, Peter Lovenkrands, Alan Smith and the rest of the players leaving SJP. We would also like to wish them the very best in their future career.