So Titus Bramble's sufferance for not having his contract renewed at Newcastle is a £40,000-a-week deal at Wigan Athletic and Scott Parker's failure to get on with sections of the club's supporters will lead to an even more lucrative move to West Ham. Life goes on eh lads!
While we have known about Bramble's departure for a while, the imminent sale of Parker is a more shocking development and I, for one, will be sorry to see him leave.
No, it doesn't have anything to do with the fact we're both from London and could share stories over a plate of warm lager and jellied eels while listening to Chas and Dave CDs, it's more to do with the fact that I thought Scottie was a good player and a good person to boot.
I never understood why some fans turned against him last season, although I believe it had something to do with the fact that he told a few to go away - except with a four letter word beginning with F - during the humbling 1-0 home defeat to Sheffield United back in November.
Personally, and you might disagree, but if I was getting a load of stick from my own supporters as things fell apart around me on the pitch, I'd be tempted to do the same. (Audible gasp of shock from stunned readers incensed by suggestion players don't just have to "take it" because they earn millions of pounds each year).
Look, the players have to take a huge slice of the blame for what happened at Newcastle last season and several of them were a disgrace to themselves, the club, their parents, their pets etc..etc.. for the lack of effort they showed, but Parker was not one of them.
Ok, so he didn't always play at his best - certainly not when compared to his excellent first season - but he could never be faulted for application and effort. Okay, so maybe Nicky Butt was better in the defensive midfielder position, but did that mean Parker deserved to be given the same treatment as Celestine Babayaro? Okay, so he sometimes held on to the ball too long and slowed down quick attacks, but did that mean he deserved to be booed and jeered? I think, if you're honest, you'd say no.
As for all those who constantly cheer and chant for Obafemi Martins, his lack of form, application and commitment were shocking towards the end of the season, yet Parker is still more unpopular in the eyes of many supporters. You pays your money, you makes your choice I guess, but I don't get it.
I suppose it was all born out of the frustration of another season of failure, broken promises, failed ambition and all that jazz, but still, I think Parker was one of the good guys really. Hopefully next season - presuming Fred does the honourable thing and sells his shares - there will be a more United - get it - mood at St James's Park.
So Scottie, it seems your time is up on Tyneside. Farewell and good luck, hope the return to London goes well. Mind you, if you thought Newcastle's supporters were a little harsh in their criticism of their own players, wait until you hear West Ham's, the miserable, whining bunch of ...........
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