John Carver and Cheick Tiote both committed their long term future to Newcastle United as they both signed contracts today. Tiote, who Newcastle signed from FC Twente last summer has been a revelation in midfield alongside Kevin Nolan. Tiote goes from an £8,000 p/week deal to a £50,000 p/week deal according to the Sun (we all know how reliable they are). The contract is until 2016/17.

John Carver meanwhile, who was brought in on a temporary basis by Alan Pardew, signs a five-and-a-half year deal to keep him at St. James’s Park for the forseeable future. It’s Carver’s hometown club, so we can only expect the signing of the contract to be a formality really. He would have had to really mess things up for a long term contract not to be offered.

However, before we all dance into the Strawberry and toast Mike Ashley for investing in the club, we have to remember that not long before he was sold, none other than Andy Carroll signed a long term contract. I hate to put a downer on things because I’m all for quality players committing their future at NUFC, but there’s something about this which seems too good to be true.

If we get Barton and Enrique on long term deals, then I may start to lighten up the tone. I just have that sneaky feeling that Mike Ashley isn’t finished messing with Newcastle just yet.

Our much improved Spanish left-back Jose Enrique has spoken today of how Newcastle United have yet to hit top gear.

Enrique, speaking to the Chronicle, says that the players are determined to put last season’s disappointment behind them. Despite drawing our last two home games, we are unbeaten at home.

But what more would the Toon fans expect? We have a squad that should walk this league. Forget about the comments last season saying we wouldn’t have the bottle for the Championship, we’ve already proven that we’re not just going to roll over. However, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, it’s not even Christmas yet.

Our position is promising. But we’ve heard from players before and how they’re going to do it for the fans – well, there comes to a point where the talking has to be done on the football field, where it matters the most. Lets hope the lads can keep the good run going and not let the boardroom shenanigans become distracting. Howay the Toon!