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Former Newcastle United favourite Robbie Elliott admits he can’t believe anything that comes out of his old club these days.

The born-and-bred Geordie, who enjoyed two playing spells with his hometown team, was left stunned by the lack of activity in the transfer market.

When it became clear on transfer deadline days that Newcastle were not going to conduct any business, he took to Twitter to vent his frustration.

“Funny how times change. I used to look forward to deadline day with excitement and anticipation. Now it just makes me sad and annoyed,” he wrote.

Elliott’s mood had not changed when he spoke to the Sunday Sun from his home in the United States, where he is a performance expert at Nike’s headquarters in Portland, Oregon, a job which includes working with the USA national football sides.

He said: “I don’t know what to believe any more in terms of what comes out of the club.

“In fact it’s getting to the stage where I don’t believe anything that’s said.

“It’s like the boy that cried wolf. They say one thing, such as they are going to sign players, and it doesn’t happen.

“We were told all summer that players would arrive, but you do start to wonder whether that was ever the plan.

“It’s just so disappointing.”

Elliott’s passion for Newcastle remains as fierce as ever and he feels for the supporters, of which he is one.

He said: “The only think that kept me going on deadline day was the Geordie humour.

“I think they had to find a funny side to it all or they would have rioted.”

But Elliott by his nature is an optimist.

He doesn’t agree that this season will be a struggle if Alan Pardew can get lucky with injuries and suspension.

The former left-back, who starred almost 200 times for the black-and -whites, said: “I actually think we are a good team. Even with just one signing in Loic Remy, we will finish mid-table.

“If the players can stay healthy, I don’t think that will be a problem.

“I still think we’ll be OK.

“Our full-strength team is top-quality. We are strong all over the pitch, but we just needed strengthened. I can’t believe the same mistakes are being made.

“There is a difference between wanting your club to buy just for the sake it and knowing they need to buy – and that was us.”

Elliott believes Pardew will be assisted by the small fact that it’s a World Cup season.

There are several Newcastle first-team stars that have a legitimate chance of making Brazil for their respective countries.

And it’s funny how that can get the best out of players.

Elliott said: “It shouldn’t be the way, but the fact is that there will be some at Newcastle who will find that extra three percent because they need a good season to be in Brazil.

“You shouldn’t underestimate the importance of that to the manager.

“It’s sad to say that they wouldn’t have found the motivation anyway, but that’s what people are like.”

Hatem Ben Arfa has a fight on his hands to get back in the French squad.

However, the brilliant and frustrating playmaker has started the season well, and his form has impressed this exiled Mag.

Elliott said: “Ben Arfa is a game-changer. I like that.

“Newcastle need to see him on the ball all the time because he makes things happen.

“If he can keep his form then it makes a big difference. He’s great to watch.

“Same with Yohan Cabaye. If he sorts himself out then we have a top-class international midfielder there.”

Elliott retired in 2008 and became Newcastle’s assistant fitness and conditioning coach.

He left after the relegation season to take up a role with Nike, initially splitting his time between Gosforth and Portland.

The 39-year-old is permanently Stateside now, but he’s not fully left Newcastle.

Elliott said: “I am still a massive Newcastle fan. That won’t change.

“There is not another club I can think of that experiences so many highs and low.

“But I suppose that’s why we love it so much.”