Jonas Gutierrez and Ryan Taylor released by Newcastle 'in same phone call'

John Carver allegedly asked Taylor to pass the phone to Gutierrez so he could deliver the news

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Jonas Gutierrez and Ryan Taylor were allegedly told they were being released by Newcastle in the same phone call with manager John Carver.

The Magpies's decision to release Gutierrez was already unpopular among fans, but the alleged manner of how the news was delivered to the player who spent seven years at the club and twice beat cancer will only make it harder to accept.

Taylor, who had been at Newcastle since 2009, explained: "John Carver rang me and told me the club weren't going to offer me a new deal.

"So I had a chat with him and then he asked me to pass the phone to Jonas, which was unbelievable.

"He was made to do it, he obviously was upset in doing it. I spoke to him and he seemed upset about telling two good pros who have been there a long time that it's come to an end.

"I can't really blame John because he's under instructions on what to do."

Gutierrez, who scored in the final-day win that secured the Magpies' Premier League survival, was similarly unimpressed.

"I didn't expect to get offered a new contract but it's not about that, you have to move on," he added.

"The more important thing is that they can pick up a phone and call me or call my agent and say 'Listen, thank you for everything, we are going to release you'."

Newcastle skipper Fabricio Coloccini has hailed close friend Gutierrez as he prepares to leave the club after his "perfect" send-off.

The Magpies confirmed on Friday evening that the 31-year-old's seven-year stay at St James' Park would come to an end when his contract expires at the end of this month.

That means the final-day 2-0 victory over West Ham, in which Gutierrez scored the second goal to spark mass celebrations as the club secured their Premier League status, was his last contribution.

Coloccini told Newcastle's official website: "Jonas has been a great player for Newcastle and someone who has given everything for the club.

"He was here for seven years and that is a long time to be with one team. But this is football and life continues, and I am sure he will do well wherever his next club is.

"The fans here love him because in the worst days he was still here. Jonas stayed at the club in its worst days - when we went down - and he helped get us straight back up again."

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Not only did Gutierrez play his part in the Magpies' return to the top flight in the wake of relegation in 2009, but he fought his way back from testicular cancer and back into the team, signing off with the goal which ultimately spared them from the drop.

Coloccini said: "I am very proud of him for that moment.

"In my opinion, one of the biggest reasons we stayed in the Premier League this season was because Jonas was on the pitch in the final game.

"Scoring in front of the Gallowgate End in his last game for the Club was perfect."