Will Pardew Miss The Boat With Abeid?

Last updated : 04 June 2014 By Footy Mad - Editor

The answer, in case you got a bit lost there, is Mehdi Abeid.

Alan Pardew and his coaching staff should have a look at the Algerian once again when pre-season training begins early July.

But that is far from a sure thing.

This week, Panathinkaikos began the process of attempting to keep Abeid at their football club for at least another season. They are confident this can happen.

Newcastle remain his club, of course, and if they want him back, then he goes back. That is simple enough.

But he says he feels at home in Athens and, more importantly, he is wanted there.

He played 38 games in total last season, scoring 10 goals and claiming nine assists.

Compare this with his Newcastle career.

Abeid’s last run-out for his parent club came on January 5, 2013 in a 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Brighton. He was subbed at half-time for Nile Ranger of all people.

But, I have to say, Abeid's performance that night was one of the worst I have ever seen by a Newcastle United player.

He never raised a sweat!

Does he not want to play for Pardew? He won't be the first! Yohan Cabaye went on strike!

The 21-year-old Abeid has made five appearances in total for United and while Alan Pardew’s feelings towards him may have softened in recent times, he was quoted last month that he had been impressed with Abeid’s progress, he has also let it be known that he didn’t hold out much hope that any of the loan players were the answer to anything.