Yes, remember he was mentioned in the Pardew talk in as an example of the scouting system where Pardew and Carr both have to agree on a player before we make a move. Pardew wanted him but Carr didnt think he was good enough.
The fact he's on a 8 year deal will make it really hard for Ashley to get rid of him. Not because of any potential money they'd have to pay him but just the complete embarrassment of sacking someone couple months after giving him an 8 year contract and publicly going on about the importance of continuity
Didnt see any of it but can imagine it quite well. One guy with the ball and everyone else standing around with hands in their imaginary pockets waiting for the ball to miraculously end up in the Maritimo goal?