Heroes Depart Tyneside, Ameobi Offered New Contract

Lee Charnley took today to make his first moves in the summer off-season. Is it a new coach appointment? Nope. Today, Charnley released 5 players, let another return to his parent club, and offered Sammy Ameobi a contract.

Wait...What!?

Yes, you read that correctly.

In two press releases from the Club (You can read them here and here), Newcastle let six players go today. Most notable are heroes of Geordie past and present, Ryan Taylor and Jonas Gutierrez. Both players' contracts expire on June 30, and they will not be offered renewals. Ryan Taylor, a 2009 signing from Wigan, scored 10 goals in 106 appearances in all competitions. He is known for his free kicks and an epic goal at the Stadium of Light in 2011.

Jonas will go down as the latest legend in Geordie folklore. His 205 appearances and 12 goals for the club since 2008 show a long line of service to the Club. He will always be remembered for his heroic recovery from testicular cancer this season and returning to the squad this season. He leaves on a Hollywood ending, scoring the goal that ensured Newcastle's safety from relegation this season.

Also released by Newcastle today are academy players Remie Streete, Jak Alnwick, and Adam Campbell. Streete is the only of the three never to feature for the senior side. Campbell featured in the 2012-13 season with 0 goals, and Jak Alnwick made his debut against Chelsea in December. He made 7 starts in all competitions, with a record of 1W-5L-1D.

Loanee Faucundo Ferreyra from Shakhtar Donetsk will not be offered a full-time deal. His only appearances this season were with the U-21's.

Newcastle revealed they offered a new contract to Sammy Ameobi. No terms were disclosed, nor was an agreement.

It's sad to see Jonas and Ryan Taylor go. While they are among Newcastle's most passionate players of the last 5 years, their time has come to move on. We are thankful to have seen them play, and we wish them the best of luck at their future clubs.