Newcastle Transfers: Tiote Wanting To Leave Is Nothing New

By Simon Gallagher / October 2, 2014

Just as Alan Pardew is getting continued reassurances about his job at St. James' Park, the squad have apparently come together to state their 100% commitment to the manager, putting suggestions of dressing room unease to rest. All except Cheick Tiote that is, who has conversely been quoted as saying he wants to leave after four years at the club. Hot on the trail of the announcement that he has two wives and a girlfriend, Tiote was quoted as saying he's on the look out for a new job:

€œI€™ve spent four years with Newcastle and I think I€™ve reached the stage where it€™s maybe time to look elsewhere for a new challenge. €œI will focus on the upcoming games and see what happens between now and December but it is true there was contact for me in the summer from Arsenal and also from a club in Russia. I would prefer to stay in England, though.€

Arsenal, what a surprise. Some are saying Tiote's attempted defection is a sign that not all is well at Newcastle, but the truth is that the Ivorian has been agitating for a move away from the club for almost as long as he has been in black and white. After a strong first season, his head was turned despite a new 6 year contract, and then after his second year, in which Newcastle finished fifth, the defensive midfielder tried his hardest to make a move to Chelsea happen. Since then, suitors have been less forthcoming, and his price too high, but Tiote's desire has never changed. He is another of the modern breed of footballers surrounded by "advisors", some of whom present themselves as cousins and sell his worn shirts and boots to the highest bidder, and all are in it for a higher pay day. Whether Newcastle would actually miss Tiote is a different matter - he might be a strong presence, but he tends to be largely ineffective unless playing against top six sides, and has an awful habit of trying to play with the ball in front of the defence too much. Whisper it, but Vurnon Anita is a far better technical player, but has been pushed aside as "too lightweight" in the face of Tiote smashing through opponents (often with inevitable yellow cards to follow). With him gone, the Dutchman might well get a chance to shine. Would you be happy to see Tiote leave? Share your thoughts below.