Newcastle United have confirmed that both Jonas Gutierrez and Ryan Taylor will leave the club this summer when their respective contracts expire on June 30th. Despite a fairytale ending to the season for Jonas with an assist and emotional goal (and the performance of his life) that kept Newcastle in the Premier League just five days ago, United have decided that there's no future for the Argentine at St. James' Park, at least as a player. For Ryan Taylor, he had his own fairytale comeback after two years on the sidelines with a hard-working display in United's highlight of the season - a memorable Carling Cup away victory at the then Premier League champions Manchester City. Sadly, it was mostly downhill from there with rapidly worsening form and the lack of game-time in recent seasons proving significant in showing that he was now out of the depth for the level required in this division. It remains to be seen if any other Premier League club will offer them deals to continue playing in the country's top division. Jonas is 32 in July and Taylor 31 in August. Newcastle United's Managing Director Lee Charnley said in a statement;
"Ryan and Jonas have both contributed significantly to Newcastle United over a number of years and on behalf of the Board, I would like to place on record our sincere thanks to both players for the excellent service they have given the club. "It was a great pleasure to see Ryan and Jonas come back into the team in recent weeks and compete at the highest level after the injury and illness battles they have had to overcome. To come through those difficult periods with such strength and dignity will have given hope and inspiration to many and it is clear that our supporters have a deep connection and affection for both players, as does everyone associated with the club."
Jonas Gutierrez scored 12 goals for Newcastle from over 200 appearances in his seven years on Tyneside and will be forever remembered as a long-haired, adopted Geordie battler who successfully survived and fought back from a relegation (in his debut season, no less), cancer and incredible odds to play top flight football again at a club that attempted to discard him, and which ultimately he saved their asses from potential oblivion. Ryan Taylor meanwhile made 110 appearances, scoring 10 goals, since he was brought to Newcastle in January 2009 as a part of a cash and player exchange with Wigan for Charles N'Zogbia. His most memorable moment in a black and white shirt being a certain free-kick that took down the Mackems at the Stadium of Light.