Magpies in a flap after costly collapse

THE end of the season merely heralds the start of the questions for Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew and much-maligned owner Mike Ashley.

Pardew has long since sounded his intention to reinvest the bulk of the £35million garnered from the controversial sale of Andy Carroll, the England striker who joined Liverpool in January.

At St James’ Park, however, there is a propaganda-filled chasm which separates intention and eventuality, evidenced by Pardew’s weary insistence that Carroll would not be leaving the club in the New Year.