Newcastle United release Sol Campbell & Shefki Kuqi

Carling Cup – Chelsea vs Newcastle United, Sol Campbell (Getty Images)

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Newcastle United have released Sol Campbell and Shefki Kuqi have left the club.

The former Arsenal centre-back made only eight first team appearances for the Toon in a season blighted by injury, with his last match coming against Stoke City in March where they were hammered 4-0.

The 36-year-old was unable to hold down a regular first team place after falling behind Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson and Steven Taylor in the pecking order at St James’ Park.

“Sol’s gone and good luck to him. He has been an icon in the game, but he didn’t feature too much here,” boss Alan Pardew told the Newcastle Chronicle.

“Our centre-backs have been a strong point for us this season and that’s perhaps why. But its good luck to Sol and we must look forward now instead.”

Meanwhile, Finnish striker Kuqi – who was brought in as an emergency replacement for the departure of Andy Carroll on the last day of the January transfer window – has also parted company with the club.

Kuqi made only six substitute appearances for the Toon and failed to register a goal for the club with his last game coming in the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.

Despite this Pardew insists that although Kuqi had a frustrating time at Newcastle, lower league sides should look no further than the big forward.

“He was added to our squad and he didn’t get the games he wanted,” Pardew continued.

“He was a bit frustrated at not getting on as much as he wanted because he came here to show people what he could do.

“The opportunities for him were scarce because our form during that time wasn’t bad; we lost just four times in the last 14 games while he was here.

“The fans may not have seen him, but he became a bit of a legend at the training ground, he’s been a warrior in training.

“He’s gone, though, and I have wished him well. The sad thing is he really took to the place. He loved the people and the area.

“I can only advise teams like Hartlepool and Carlisle United to take a really good look at him this summer. He will be brilliant for them if he got the chance.”