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Newcastle United Dumps Freddy Shepherd!
By Dave NU Blogger | July 24, 2007
Freddy Shepherd left his post as chairman effectively ending his 15 year at SJP which has been at times controversial to say the least. What kind of legacy did he leave behind? Without a doubt he has been a force for good throughout his tenureship. He leaves behind a 53,000 capacity staduim in the heart of Newcastle and a multi-million pound football club attracting some of the best players who pull on the black n’ white shirt.
However, most of us would remember his failings including the well known and infamous brothel revelations made in a journalist sting operation. Freddy Shepherd had a clever knack of putting his foot in his mouth and he never really out did that moment in such a spectacular fashion since but the damage was done with the fans and he never was a popular figure in St James’ Park. The typical defence of Shepherd has always been that he provided the funds for his managers but he became renowned for his itchy trigger finger and dumped many managers in such short spaces of time. His problem was that he was a fan of the club himself and lost patience just as easily in the club’s quest for that so far elusive silverware. But as chairman he was responsible for bringing in the top draw managers and Shepherd bought many unpopular choices particularly after dispensing with the services of Sir Bobby Robson in a unreasonable manner in my opinion.
Shepherd sold his 28% stake back in June to Billionaire Mike Ashley. He hestiated in selling up initially but that probably was not done as a business decision. I genuiely feel that Shepherd wanted to be in Newcastle, particularly as he still not overseen Allardyce or Owen at their full potential. His legacy rests alot in how well both these people do next season and if Newcastle United get to fill the trophy cabinet; would we still judge Freddy Shepherd as harshly or allow him some credit? His successor, 41 year old, Chris Mort, will take Shepherd’s place in the boardroom from here on.
