Fans will not mourn Shepherd

[Jimbo 175]

The change may have been more symbolic than substantive, given the whirlwind events of the past two months, but Freddy Shepherd’s low-key departure from Newcastle United yesterday ushered a shop-soiled era into the past. After a decade as chairman, Shepherd was replaced by Chris Mort, Mike Ashley’s lieutenant, a development that will be broadly welcomed by supporters.

 

While Shepherd’s 15 years at St James’ Park coincided with the restoration of the club to prominence, stadium development, the attacking football of Kevin Keegan, Sir John Hall’s vision for a “Geordie nation” and some galáctico signings, his regime proved flawed and contentious. Disenchantment and underachievement have been growing trends, while the club’s debt soared to about £80 million. Shepherd leaves with the £37 million he was paid by Mort for his 28 per cent stake in Newcastle and is also entitled, under the terms of his contract, to a payoff of £1 million, which equates to two years’ salary.

 

With Kenny, his son – once an influential figure – informed recently that his services would no longer be required, the family’s powerbase on Tyneside has disappeared.

 

Shepherd Sr agreed to remain in his position in the immediate aftermath of Ashley’s takeover, while Mort, a lawyer by trade and a partner at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, who was installed as deputy, conducted a thorough investigation into the running of the club. That process is well advanced, allowing Shepherd to depart earlier than expected.

 

“I am delighted to become chairman of such a fabulous club,” Mort said. “Since arriving at St James’ Park I have been hugely encouraged by the warm welcome I have received from so many supporters. The strategic review of the club is going well and, with the new season fast approaching, we feel the time is right to make this change. I would like to thank Freddy Shepherd for all he has done for the club over the last 15 years.”

 

Shepherd’s input has been limited by illness and his relationship with Sam Allardyce, the manager he appointed only two months ago, was not so deep that Ashley believed it essential. It had been expected that Newcastle would allow the present transfer window to close before dispensing with Shepherd’s experience, but that, too, has not been deemed necessary.

 

New signings were one area where Shepherd struggled to shrug off controversy. From Patrick Kluivert to Celestine Babayaro, it was long rumoured that the chairman – who often sat beside Paul Stretford, the agent and his close friend, at home matches – played a significant part in incoming transfers. It was an allegation that he repeatedly denied.

 

Yet Graeme Souness, a former manager, recently insisted that “one man and one man alone decided what player came to the club and what player left – and it wasn’t the manager. It was the chairman”. Sir Bobby Robson, another former manager, complained that Shepherd was “hostile” to training-ground innovations; under the Halls and Shepherds, Newcastle lacked stability and foundations.

 

There were ambitious moments, from the club-record £17 million arrival of Michael Owen to an alleged bid for Wayne Rooney, yet Shepherd’s reputation was tarnished by some mediocre additions and a perceived alacrity for dismissing managers mid-season. Last season, after matches against Sheffield United and Black-burn Rovers, fans protested against his stewardship. Few will be rebelling now.

 

How the chairman put his foot in it

 

1998

 

Caught with Douglas Hall by the News of the World’s “Fake Sheikh” describing Geordie women as “dogs”, calling Alan Shearer “Mary Poppins” and mocking fans for buying replica shirts. They resign from their posts, an exile that lasts ten months, after which they vote themselves back on to the board.

 

2003

 

Newcastle finish third in the Premier League. Shepherd says they have “put them [Liverpool and Chelsea] in their place.”

 

2004

 

Dismisses Sir Bobby Robson four matches into the new season – Newcastle ended the previous campaign in fifth place – a decision that Shepherd describes as “the hardest thing I have ever done. I didn’t want to be known as the man who shot Bambi.” The subsequent appointment of Graeme Souness proves disastrous. The Scot later claims that “one man alone decided what player came to the club and what player left – the chairman”.

 

2004

 

At an international football forum in Dubai, Shepherd courts more controversy. “When we have got 52,000 fans at each home game, the last thing we are worried about is clubs in the third division. There is no sympathy here.”

 

2007

 

Shown on YouTube offering to “f***ing carry” Michael Owen back to Anfield after the striker’s apparent reluctance to commit himself verbally to Newcastle. Shepherd sells his 28 per cent stake in Newcastle to Mike Ashley for more than £37 million.

[Offshore Toon 0]

Nothing gets past The Times.

 

Truly the voice of the people.

[snakehips 0]

Nothing gets past The Times.

 

Truly the voice of the people.

 

They 'phoned me as well.

 

Cue the signings, now that Portly Freddie is out of the way and not in a position to make a mockery of events or take any credit. You heard it here first.