12 WTF Moments In Newcastle's Disastrous 14/15 Season

Nobody is questioning the fact that Ryan Taylor's return from two years of injury hell should have been met with anything but enthusiasm from Newcastle fans. Despite never really pulling up any trees, the former Wigan man was always a useful squad member and has carved himself out a bit of Newcastle history by scoring against Sunderland.

But what he's not is a first teamer. He hasn't been since before he was injured so catastrophically and only a Newcastle manager could deem that long an injury period as some sort of catalyst for a mediocre player to improve.

Astonishingly, even with Vurnon Anita and Mehdi available, John Carver persisted with Taylor in central midfield for the majority of the embarrassing 10 match streak without a win. Now, neither of those two can claim to walk into the team, but neither has lost all of their pace or their ability to pass or control space in the middle. Taylor has.

His continued selection was much like the faith Carver and Pardew showed in Yoan Gouffran - a player ruined by too many positions and duties - and by the end of the season, it was almost comical. Especially given Anita's performance against West Ham on the final day.