Alan Pardew feels Newcastle's lethargic start to the new season has been because some of his players were distracted by off-field issues.
Newcastle boss feels players have been distracted
Alan Pardew feels Newcastle's lethargic start to the new season has been because some of his players were distracted by off-field issues.
The Newcastle chief has blamed third parties, mainly agents, for putting ideas to players about lucrative deals they could possibly get elsewhere.
Pardew saw a host of his big names including Tim Krul, Fabricio Coloccini, Cheick Tiote, Yohan Cabaye, Hatem Ben Arfa, Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse all linked with moves away.
Pardew believes at least some of his side's lacklustre early-season form can be attributed to what was going on behind the scenes before Friday's transfer deadline.
"I have some sympathy for players because if people or agents - and not necessarily their own agent, a different agent - call them and offer them double their money, it's going to affect you," said Pardew.
"It's not just us, it's other clubs.
"There are some terrible people and agents in and around the game who do things like that, ring a player up and promise him the earth, say 'I can do the deal', and they are not even their agent. It goes on."
Return
One of those linked with a move away has been Tiote, who he is yet to play this season because of a calf injury, and Pardew is looking forward to his impending return.
"I think Cheick Tiote will be back. He has been sorely missed," said Pardew following Newcastle's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.
"He would have been in and around a few of those Villa boys, and it will be nice to see him back in a black and white shirt for Everton.
"We are expecting him to be in and around it for the Everton game, we really are.
"We have to work hard on him, but I am hoping, fingers crossed, that we can get him right for that."
