Pardew's hands are tied, in as much as Mike Ashley has given strict orders - "no players over 30 years of age".
But we are painfully short on strike power, and Pardew and Ashley were knocked back by an amazing 15 strikers during the summer months.
Bellamy is class, of that there is no doubt, and perhaps we missed out on a player we know wouldf have been happy to return to St James' Park.
Gerrard has welcomed Craig Bellamy's return to Anfield.
In a busy day of transfer activity on deadline day Liverpool swooped to bring Bellamy back to the club.
Gerrard: "I'm delighted that Craig is back - I didn't want him to leave in the first place.
"That pace and the fiery character he's got will help us in our push for success this season.
"When he was here before he was popular and one of the hardest working in training. He was always in the gym getting himself in good shape.
"What people need to realise is that Craig is a top professional. He works really hard day in, day out.
"He's very knowledgeable about the game and I know even though he's slightly older than me he will still want to learn and do well here.
"I'm sure he will be desperate to play for Kenny. He will have watched Liverpool from the outside like me in recent months and seen a lot of positive things. He will be excited to come back and we're glad to have him back."
QPR tried to sign Bellamy on transfer deadline day.
The forward joined Liverpool from Manchester City on a free transfer in a late deal after being linked with clubs including Sunderland, Stoke City and Celtic throughout the summer.
Neil Warnock: "I spoke to Craig Bellamy but he loves Liverpool and when Ngog went I knew that he’d be joining them."