While the likes of Hull, Stoke, Birmingham and West Bromwich always make provision for relegation in any contract negotiations, Newcastle evidently didn't think they were in that league.
Players at West Brom accept clauses stipulating wage cuts of up to 30 per cent in the event of relegation but Newcastle have agreed deals in the last year or so entitling players to annual rises, no matter what.
Long-suffering Newcastle fans are sure to be angered by Michael Owen and Mark Viduka leaving on free transfers and taking a massive bonus with them.
Bonus for what? RELEGATION?