Image:Alan Pardew: Believes Newcastle have proved they can compete with 'big-name clubs'
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has warned his players the grass is not always greener on the other side regarding transfers.
Carroll and Enrique deals show the grass is not always greener
Newcastle's impressive season has led manager Alan Pardew to warn his players the grass is not always greener on the other side regarding transfers to supposedly 'bigger' clubs.
Andy Carroll and Jose Enrique, who both left Tyneside for Liverpool, were last Sunday taunted by Magpies fans on their return to St James' Park.
UEFA Champions League-chasing Newcastle secured a 2-0 win which took them 11 points clear of the Reds in the Premier League table.
That gap became 13 points over the weekend after Kenny Dalglish's men were only able to manage a home draw with Aston Villa, while Newcastle had on Friday won 2-0 at Swansea.
Writing in his programme notes ahead of Monday's home clash with struggling Bolton, Pardew said: "I took no satisfaction from seeing our former players, Andy and Jose, enduring a difficult day, as they were fantastic for us during their time at this club.
"But maybe this season has changed a few perceptions and sent out a message to players tempted by offers to join so-called bigger clubs in the Premier League.
"Newcastle have proved time and again over the last few months that we can compete with big-name clubs like Liverpool, and maybe it will encourage players to think again if they dare to believe the grass is greener elsewhere."
