Former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey has questioned who is running things after the sale of Kevin Nolan to West Ham United.
Toon boss Alan Pardew has insisted the club must "move on" from the sale, but outspoken former Toon Army hero Howey - speaking before the weekend's double signings - believes Pardew is being left in a tricky position by matters being taken out of his control.
A shocked Howey told the Sunday Sun: "Quite simply it is a bad, bad decision from the football club. I say football club because I do not know how much Alan (Pardew) has had to do with it.
"To me, it looks like they have gone above his head.
"Did the manager of Newcastle United want to sell one of his best players? I don't think he did.
"Did he want to sell Andy Carroll? No he didn't - although that was a fantastic deal for the club.
"Alan said he wanted to keep Nobby at the football club but now he has gone and you wonder who is next.
"I think he has done a good job at Newcastle and the fans support him, but it makes his job harder to lose a top player.
"I know it happens at football clubs these days, but for me it is an untenable situation if the manager cannot make those sort of decisions."
