Kuqi And Campbell Leave Newcastle
Newcastle United can confirm that Shefki Kuqi and Sol Campbell have left the Club.
The pair are on contracts which expire this summer, and both players are free to find new clubs.
Kuqi was signed on a short-term deal in February as a free agent following his release from Swansea City. The 34-year-old striker came off the bench six times during his spell at United.
Former England international Campbell, 36, signed for the Magpies in July 2010 and made his debut in the memorable Carling Cup victory away at Chelsea last September.
In total, the centre-back made eight appearances for Newcastle - five in the starting line-up - and his last outing came away at Stoke City in March.
Everyone at Newcastle thanks Shefki and Sol for their efforts while at St. James' Park and wishes them the very best for the future.
http://www.nufc.co.uk/articles/20110525/kuqi-and-campbell-leave-newcastle_2281670_2366730=============================================================
Albion release quartet
Posted on: Wed 25 May 2011
ALBION have taken up contract options on two players, and released four, as they begin tuning their squad for the 2011/12 campaign.
The club have exercised the one-year options they have on left-back Marek Cech and Roman Bednar, who is on loan at Turkish top-flight side MKE Ankaragucu.
However, the Baggies have informed defenders Abdoulaye Meite and Gianni Zuiverloon, plus midfielder Giles Barnes, they will not be activating their one-year options. They have therefore been released.
Meite and Zuiverloon joined Albion ahead of the 2008/09 Barclays Premier League campaign while Barnes arrived last season.
Sporting & Technical Director, Dan Ashworth, said: "I would like to thank Abdoulaye, Gianni and Giles for all their efforts during their time with us and wish them every success in their future careers.
"These decisions are never easy, nor are they taken lightly, but we believe they are the right ones for the football club at this present time.
"Abdoulaye played an important role in the last 11 games in helping the team achieve safety with three matches to spare, which came on the back of his contribution to our promotion success last season.
"Gianni did very well in the early part of his first season in the Premier League two years ago and also figured prominently last season - but he has found first-team chances much harder to come by this term.
"Giles was involved in some key moments towards the end of last season's promotion but, like Gianni, has not featured as often as he would have liked this season."
Albion have also told striker Marcus Haber, who has yet to make a first-team appearance for the club, they will not be taking up the one-year option on his contract.
However, although he has officially been released, the Canadian could still earn himself a new deal.
"Marcus has had an unfortunate season, with his year-long loan at St Johnstone being cut short by a serious knee injury last November," added Ashworth.
"With that in mind, we have offered him the chance to continue his rehabilitation with us over the summer with a view to earning another contract, as by this time he will be fully recovered."
In total, Zuiverloon made 76 appearances for the club, scoring six goals, while Meite played 56 times. Barnes made 28 appearances.
http://www.wba.co.uk/page/News/0,,10366~2365961,00.html