Local boys Mark Noble and James Tomkins signed deals worth less than the personal terms reported in the general media.
It was widely believed that Nobes had signed a deal worth £50k a week and his pal Tomkins’ new contract was valued at around the £40k a week mark.
ClaretandHugh understands according to sources that the midfield loyalist settled at around £45k and the big defender £35k a week – up from £25k.
These are basic wages but the two have clauses written in which would give them appearance, win and league position bonuses like the remainder of the squad.
It means that TOGETHER the duo’s joint salary is the same as Andy Carroll’s and just £10k in advance of loanee Alex Song.
One source said: “These two lads obviously want the best deals they can get but playing for the club they love is the No 1 issue.
That is the Big Difference with Noble & Tomkins, playing for the club they want to play for, unlike Nolan & Carroll who have milked the club along with Sam Dry financially! one of our clubs websites will not have a word said against the three of them, how can they be in such denial, as we look like a joke currently!