I don't think anyone doubts the extra quality he'd bring to the side, I think it's more of a 'he jumped ship for a Pardew led Palace, fuck him' thing. I'd have him back in a second, like.
Only thing bothering me about it is the quote in the paper saying that Townsend himself is the one who wants the loan only because we're not certain to be Premier League next season.
Obviously it's just speculation with no substantial quotes or anything, but while the possibility of it being true is still there it'll get to me and to be honest with the way he left, it seems more likely that it is true than not to me. Dont want or need that type of player at Newcastle