Ryan Taylor and Jonas Gutierrez have criticised Newcastle United after they were released over the phone.

The pair are currently studying for coaching badges in Northern Ireland, and Taylor revealed that manager John Carver told him about his release during a phonecall, and then asked for the phone to be passed to Gutierrez.

"I had a chat with him, he is a good friend of mine. I have spent a lot of time with John, in and out of the club," Taylor told Sky Sports News.

"So, I had a chat, and then he asked me to pass the phone to Jonas. It was unbelievable."

Gutierrez said: "I did not expect to be offered a new contract and it is not about that, because you have to move on.

"I can understand the football issues and those type of things but, more important for me, is that they can pick up the phone and call me or call my agent, and say 'listen, thank you but we are going to release you and it is going to be OK'. That is more the way."

Ryan Taylor made 92 appearances for the Magpies in six seasons, while Gutierrez played 187 times in seven seasons.