Steve Howey says Newcastle United's sale of Andy Cole to Manchester United was a bigger shock than Andy Carroll's move to Liverpool.
Howey said none of the players had an inkling that it was going to happen - and Kevin Keegan never offered an explanation to his players other than to confirm that Cole was on his way.
Contrast that with the Carroll situation, which had been bubbling away for the best part of a month despite a series of denials from Alan Pardew that he was going to be sold.
"I was shocked that Andy Carroll went when he did but not really surprised," Howey told the Sunday Sun.
"I think selling Andy (Cole) was worse.
"Manchester United were a major rival to us and we were both vying for the title and there was a big worry that it would come back to haunt us.
"To be honest, it never really affected us as players. We had a great team spirit and we didn't sit there thinking, 'We're in trouble now'.
"It was disappointing and it is never nice to lose one of your top players, but we got on with it.
"The difference with Andy Carroll is that he's a local lad, he's been given the No 9 shirt and a new long-term contract.
"It seemed like both parties wanted him to stay - but then a big offer like that comes in and everything changes.
"But it isn't in the same league as when Cole went, for me."
