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Jonas Gutierrez and Ryan Taylor told of Newcastle release over phone

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Ryan Taylor and Jonas Gutierrez admit they were disappointed with the way Newcastle informed them they would not receive new contracts

Former Newcastle duo Jonas Gutierrez and Ryan Taylor have criticised the club for the way they found out they were being released.

The pair spent a combined 13 years with the Magpies but both were told over the phone by interim head coach John Carver they were not going to be offered new deals.

Taylor has been with Newcastle since 2009 but has been plagued by knee injuries over the last couple of seasons.

Argentina international Gutierrez, who spent seven years at Newcastle, returned to the first team this season after recovering from testicular cancer.

He scored an emotional goal on the final day of the season to help the Magpies get the win they needed to ensure they would remain in the Premier League.

Both players say they understand the club’s decision to let them go but are unhappy about the way it was conveyed.

They are currently working on obtaining coaching qualifications in Northern Ireland and Taylor told Sky Sports News HQ: “We were here, probably not even a day, we had just finished a lecture, and John Carver rang me and he told me the club were not going to offer me a new deal.

I can’t really blame John, because he is under instructions on what to do.
Ryan Taylor on John Carver

“I had a chat with him, he is a good friend of mine. I have spent a lot of time with John, in and out of the club.

“So, I had a chat, and then he asked me to pass the phone to Jonas. It was unbelievable.”

Gutierrez added: “I did not expect to be offered a new contract and it is not about that, because you have to move on.

“I can understand the football issues and those type of things but, more important for me, is that they can pick up the phone and call me or call my agent, and say ‘listen, thank you but we are going to release you and it is going to be OK’. That is more the way.”

John Carver
Image: John Carver: Was 'upset' at having to release players in such a manner

Regarding Carver’s role, Taylor said: “He was made to do it and he obviously was upset in doing it.

“I spoke to him and he seemed upset about telling two good pros who were there for a long time ‘look, it has come to an end’.

“I can’t really blame John, because he is under instructions on what to do.”

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