Shepherd the bad guy in Geordie soap opera

By Henry Winter, Telegraph Sport, 24th October 2006

Nativity plays in Tyneside schools this year will surely feature boisterous audience outbursts of "Shepherd Out".

As Newcastle United writhe in another bout of introspection, the piercing search-light should be focused not on the short-term leadership from the dug-out but the long-term direction from the board-room.

Chairman Freddy Shepherd is the problem, not manager Glenn Roeder.

Musical chairman: Shepherd discards managers too easily Life at Newcastle is often depicted as a soap opera, a sort of North-eastenders with repeating plot-lines of aspiration unfulfilled, yet it is also real life laced with deepening sadness.

Away from the chairman's office and certain incompetent corners of the dressing-room, this is a club teeming with proper people, supporters of unbelievable patience and passion, and employees who view the world solely in black and white.

When Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer were dragged to the press room to explain their infamous on-field spat, a heart-broken club servant turned the photograph of Jackie Milburn to the wall so that the late, great Geordie No 9 would not see the shame brought on the club he represented so sportingly and selflessly.

In Shepherd's defence, a middle-aged suit sitting up in the stands can hardly be held responsible for two midfielders scrapping down below.

Not all of Newcastle's ills can be laid at Shepherd's door; the thoroughbred Michael Owen, a Shepherd transfer coup, went lame in England's colours.

Shepherd has consistently provided funds for excellent recruits such as Scott Parker.

He even allowed Roeder to gamble £10 million on Obafemi Martins, the infuriatingly inconsistent Nigerian striker.

Sympathy for Shepherd disappears the moment his salary is examined.

According to the latest available accounts (year ending July 31 2005), Newcastle's chairman was paid £502,954. Good money for indifferent work.

Shepherd is no benefactor in the mould of Middlesbrough's Steve Gibson, the benchmark for "a fit and proper person" to lead a football club.

Developments 200 miles to the south also embarrass Shepherd, down at Aston Villa, where Martin O'Neill has again been playing the sleeves-rolled up alchemist.

O'Neill is the manager Shepherd should have wooed and appointed this summer, and Newcastle fans understandably gaze enviously at events off Spaghetti Junction.

Roeder is an admirable person, a terrific coach, and outstanding Academy director, but he will never be the Pied Piper of Toon Army dreams as O'Neill would have been.

Talk swirls around fans' chat-rooms and City circles about a putative take-over, by the Belgravia Group, yet would Shepherd sell?

Yesterday, one enraged supporter despatched a missive to Shepherd, pleading with him to leave, arguing that the chairman had wasted the legacy built up by his distinguished predecessor, Sir John Hall. "When you took over the club you were handed the second-best team in the Premiership, a club that was looking like it was destined for greatness and you've destroyed all of that through your utter contempt for the fans and your lust for power and money," wrote Michael Foster. "You've totally failed in everything a chairman is responsible for."

Such Newcastle fans deserve better. Those of us neutrals who travel the English football circuit, mixing with fans of all club colours, and gauging the depth of their fervour, readily admit respect for Newcastle's following, home and away.

Battered at Manchester United, Newcastle fans never stopped singing.

St James' itself is a special place, an arena that makes the pulse quicken when the teams walk out and that extraordinary roar erupts from countless Gallowgate throats.

Attending Alan Shearer's testimonial last season was uplifting because of the outpouring of love for a local hero while also painfully poignant.

The absence of Shearer's name from the cast-list rips away much of the lingering class clinging to the club.

A die-hard Newcastle disciple of this observer's acquaintance is convinced the club will be transformed only when supporters show their dissatisfaction at serial mismanagement by voting with their feet.

Empty seats.

No queues in the megastores. Might focus a few minds in the board-room.

It will never happen.

Following Newcastle is a birthright, a religion, a warm-up before the knees-up of a night out.

On the Geordie check-list of must-do activities, watching the Toon ranks alongside breathing.

Such loyalty merits better leadership.

Shepherd Out.

Nufcmismanagement view:

What a cracking article by Henry Winter, it's good to see that the national media have the bottle to say it as thay see it, unlike a certain Mr Oliver who looks more and more as if he's on the pay-roll, not that we're saying that he is, we're just saying that he looks as if he is.

Lastly, we're glad we could help with the bit in bold.

Shepherd Out

We've also added the comments that have been left after the article by Henry, we asked Henry if this level of interest was normal and Henry said "No. That amount of traffic is pretty unusual".

Well done to everybody who spent time commenting, it shows people care about this club.

Anyway, as promised, the comments left regarding the article.

Comments

I cannot believe that a journalist from London has such a clear understanding of the relationship between the club and its supporters. Your comments regarding Shepherd, were brave, accurate, and will cause you undoubted problems with the management of the club. Understand, however, that your need to ally yourself with the fans, rather than the hospitality of the management, will earn you the undying respect of the city and the fans across the country. I dont know whether or not the club will censure you: but when the change comes, you will have played a real and meaningful part in that. As an earlier comment suggests, you should have a statue in Northumberland Street!
Posted by Peter Robson on November 1, 2006 9:05 PM

Class article summs up what us geordies are thinking,keep up the good work
Posted by ronnie on November 1, 2006 4:23 PM

What an excellent article.

Almost brought a tear to my eye.

This article depicts the exact happenings of my football club. Finally a piece of the media has been brave enough to write about the Big Freddy Shepherd and his woeful management skills.

This club needs change - it needs a new stable direction.

In my prayers everynight will be for this to occur along with World Peace...

FREDDY SHEPERD OUT!!
Posted by Bobby from Down Under on November 1, 2006 3:59 AM

Henry Winter...

Many Thanks,

Keep up The Good Work..

For the Good of our Beloved Club....

Regards,

Mike Dawson...
Posted by Mike Dawson on October 31, 2006 12:30 PM

Great piece of journalism, well done Mr Winter - thank-you for having the guts to write such a provocative piece, something the local media, have failed to do.

Shepherd out - United for Change.
Posted by GeordieInExile on October 31, 2006 1:42 AM

Thanks for this Henry. It is important that the London media start to take some notice of what is going on at Newcastle. Things would never have gone this far at a London club, or Man U or Liverpool. The local press in Newcastle don't want to know. They fiddle while Rome burns, putting out a load of fluff but never addressing the failings of the man at the fountain-head, Mr Shepherd.
Posted by Jonathan Bailey on October 30, 2006 11:25 PM

There seems to be a perception that Freddy Shepherd personally pays for these players. He uses club revenue.

There is also a question mark surrounding our managers' autonomy in the transfer market. In fact, the annual report published on Friday identified transfers as being the specific responsibility of the board.

The other thing, of course, is that Shepherd picks the managers and if he chooses to time the sacking of a manager a few games into the season, he has to accept reponsibility if it doesn't turn out that easy to get a top drawer appointment.

Finally, our academy has produced four Premiership players in about eight years (Hughes, Ameobi, Ramage and Taylor). This is a total scandal and it's the reason why Boro get the cream of the North East's youth talent and why Chopra was bemoaning our youth policy at the weekend.

This is not good stewardship of a football club.

It's fine to start on the fans and our expectations but this is what happens when you build a big stadium before you have won anything and charge some of the highest prices in the league for tickets: people react like the customers that the club wants us to spend like rather than the supporters they want us to behave like.
Posted by Lucy on October 30, 2006 8:05 PM

Total garbage I'm afraid.

Shepherd provides £200m for transfers and he is the scapegoat for NUFC's ills ? Was he directly responsible for the purchases of Bramble / Viana / Luque / ?

This is symptomatic of most clubs whose fans "demand" success - plough through a succession of managers and when that doesn't work, sack the board and see if that helps.

This article also propagates the endless myth of NUFC fans being the "best in the world" - simply for chanting at away matches. As if this is unique amongst visiting fans.

A well written article, but utter tosh.

Posted by Chris Hayward on October 30, 2006 4:57 PM

Well done Henry, an article that captures the mood on Tyneside perfectly.

Is there any other club in England that has this many fans and has still won nothing in recent history ? The one common denominator ? Good old Freddy.

Shepherd out!
Posted by mst on October 30, 2006 2:29 PM

For the first time ever, I actually stood up and applauded an article in a newspaper. Henry Winter has encapsulated in one article, everything that is rotten with my football club. Keep it up, because we can't rely on the NUFC in-house magazines masquerading as local newspapers, to say it like the supporters say. Shepherd out.
Posted by Paul Dixon on October 30, 2006 12:24 PM

Fantastic couldn't have said it better my self. A piece of work every Toon fan thinks and talks about. SHEPERD OUT !!
Posted by Lee Stewart on October 29, 2006 7:54 PM

Excellent article that speaks the truth, there is no hiding place for Freddy Shepherd and his cronies now. Good to see such number of replies too. This is what fans think of you Freddy.
Posted by Chris on October 28, 2006 12:39 PM

Times up fred get rid asap
Posted by Dan on October 27, 2006 10:00 PM

Thank you Henry
I hope that the rest of the media take note of the most accurate article writen about NUFC in years.
We need a culture change and sacking a new manager every 10 mins wont get this.
We need to start from the top down.
Please dont let this be the end of your articles on the situation up here.
And thank you again.
Posted by Chris Swanston on October 26, 2006 9:25 PM

No doubt a very fair article Henry but I have been watching Newcastle United since 1950 and have seen countless chairmen and managers come and go - very rarely successful and never for any length of time.

The clammer for Shepherd to go is understandable, but a new chairman would not in itself solve any problems.

I have no doubt that during his "reign" many NUF think of themselves as Kings - the fortunes of our club have slid year on year - his appointments as managers have been abjet failures - despite giving them many millions.
Sir John Hall says that the Halls & Shepherds have supported their managers to the tune of £200 million - this says a lot for their investment skills - much cash has been spent at haste with the obvious result.

By all means get rid of FF but let us get some long term planning and stability into the club.

Personally I would love to see Glenn Roeder succeed at Premiership or academy level.

BUT FOR GODS SAKE WHOEVER REPLACES FF - LET'S GET SOME LONG TERM STABILITY INTO THE CLUB
Posted by WIL FROM GATESHEAD on October 26, 2006 1:31 PM

I'm pleasantly surprised to see that the national media has finally decided to report on the state of our great club, I only hope that more press is given to this situation and the pressure is increased on Freddy to leave, sooner rather than later.

There's no real surprise that there is a resounding silence in our local media when it comes to criticising our beloved club and the way it is currently being run.

They certainly don't have their finger on the pulse of the average Newcastle supporter, nor do they appear to represent the views of the majority of fans who religiously support this club.

The 'Little Kev' post hits the nail on the head. How much longer are we going to sit silent while Freddy continues to appoint ineffective managers who fail to take this club forward, or just drag us closer and closer to the Championship each season?

Fair enough, you can blame the manager when the team they're picking fails to provide results week after week. But when successive management appointments fail to produce silverware, or even improve the team, then the blame falls squarely on Freddy's more than ample shoulders.

If he was a true geordie (yeah, right) he'd accept responsibility and step aside to allow the beginning of a new era for this club, hopefully a more successful one.

'Steve McGill', can you please let me know which opticians you use as I obviously need to go there asap and get a pair of the black & white tinted glasses that you're wearing....

Posted by Dave Belmont on October 26, 2006 11:17 AM

Another excellent article!
It's a pity the local media sycophants couldn't write something as honest and representative of fans' thoughts as you have...

Posted by Buzza Thompson on October 26, 2006 10:54 AM

Winter makes some good points about Shepherd but plays to the geordie gallery and some of their most favoured myths which, ironically, has been Sherphards biggest mistake. The most popular one is how they are such terrific fans that deserve success. The fans can be terrific, and the away hard core are always impressive, but so often at home games they rapidly turn into the biggest bunch of whingers that you have ever encountered in your entire life. This Jekyl and Hyde mentality has created massive pressure on successive managers. Roeder is already feeling the cosh despite the miracle of last deason. It's the nearest English football has to the fickleness of the Bernebeu, all great fun but not a way to behave if you want success.
Sherpherd has compounded this problem by relying heavily on season ticket sales rather than a broader base that individual match sales would provide. Over the past few seasons the whole policy of the club has been geared at not alienating the season ticket holders. This has lead to panic buys like Michael Owen, Albert Luque etc and sacking succesive managers. To make matters worse, almost sucidally Shepherd has not cut prices for Uefa and Carling Cup games that the season tickets didn't want. He's missed a big opportunity to widen his fan base and now when season tickert holders see empty seats they'll be less likely to renew. Empty seats quickly become contagious in modern all seater stadia.
The other big myth is that Alan Shearer was a world class player let down by his team mates. For years this turned Newcastle from a team into Shearer's support cast. The Newcastle fans delighted in his goals but this became a substitute for real success not a path towards it.

Posted by martin on October 26, 2006 9:24 AM

FREDDY SHEPHERD OUT..... only solution to save United.
Posted by Linda Knotts on October 26, 2006 8:36 AM

Good morning,
after reading your column on Newcastle United in crisis I would just like to say that your comments were spot on. After supporting the toon for over forty years we, the fans, deserve some success. Although a great deal of the problem does come from Freddy shepherd you must admit that he has provided finance that other clubs could not cope with.
This in my mind at least deserves some form of credit for the chairman and some of the responsibility has to be shouldered by Glenn Roeder.
We have, over the coming weeks, some pretty good fixtures and hopfully we should at least pick up a few points, then watch us go lol...
roll on Saturday..... howay the lads
Posted by David Knotts on October 26, 2006 8:31 AM

Henry Winter: I cannot thank you enough for this exemplary piece of incisive commentary.

We can only hope that the rest of Fleet Street join the swelling ranks of those who know Shepherd has to go because of his failure to appoint a manager of the calibre of Martin O'Neill and the back catalogue of broken promises.

Good to see the truth about Shepherd being reported by a national paper at last.
Posted by GeordieMessiah on October 25, 2006 10:53 PM

Thanks Henry, you're a star, unlike Shepherd, you're canny at your job.

We may have turned the worm at long last.

Well done.

Shepherd Out.
Posted by Michael Foster on October 25, 2006 8:27 PM

Great article Henry Spot on.

Since William Fredrick Shepherd became Chairman of this great club it has consistantly gone in one direction, down. Now many will therefore draw the logical conclusion that the two are linked, which they are. However, something else changed around the time WFS took charge, the club dispensed with their Chief Executive Freddie Fletcher who ran the club to an agreed five-year business plan under which in the mid 90s saw Newcastle's most successful period since the 50's.
Almost every successful Premiership club has a CE, who are paid well, and recieve bonuses on business results. Their Chairmen remain in the Boardroom and are rarely quoted or even seen in the press (unlike Freddie). I doubt there are many in the street who can name all the current top five club's Premiership Chairmen? But I bet they can name Newcastle United's.

Let Shepherd Freddie out the door, bring in a business minded Chief Executive and develop a long term (five year) business plan.
Posted by Nick Attack Attack Attack B Gosforth on October 25, 2006 7:45 PM

Excellent article Henry - what else would we expect? - that hits the nail on the head perfectly from a neutral point of view.

Time Mr Shepherd realised that there is another world going on around him and that the great - in terms of supporters - Newcastle United is slowly sinking into desperate mediocrity. From the days of almost champions to the days of floating a couple of points above the might of Watford and Sheffield United - it does not take a genius to discover that Shepherd has had an undoubted adverse effect on Newcastle United.

The incredibly loyal fans of Newcastle will show our hate and contempt for this greedy man in large numbers in protests, hopefully.

Well done Henry Winter on the brilliant article, just keep it going.
Posted by Isaac Leigh on October 25, 2006 6:06 PM

Sir John Hall said we should not blame Shepherd at Newcastle United, blame the "wasteful managers" who have spent millions on below par players. Well, Johnnie, who picks the "wasteful managers" in the first place?????
Posted by Little Kev on October 25, 2006 4:52 PM

I'm absolutely delighted to see real objective criticism of the root cause of NUFC's problems in the national media.

If only the local media had the guts to write the same!

Thanks Mr Winter
Posted by Neil Athey on October 25, 2006 3:59 PM

Henry thanks for the brilliant article! It is about time some one started taking notice of how money greedy this man is! He is destroying Newcastle United, he has no real ambition, other than to see the club sit safely in mid table premiership and keep himself earning a steady income!

Thanks again Henry hope to see more brilliant articles like this one!

SHEPHERD OUT!

Tom Hess_are you Shepherd in disguise?

I would suggest that unlike myself and many thousands more you do not invest over £600 a year in the club?

Finally it would seem there are enough of us to make a difference and hang Shepherd using his own rope.

"You'll never believe who wants to come here" etc Who are you trying to kid?

He is determined to turn this club into a soap opera which he can orchestrate through SSN.

It must be time for an ageing superstar journeyman to appease fans?
Posted by Mick the Greek on October 25, 2006 3:41 PM

Seems like Baron Greenback has been "outed" in the national media!

Superb article which eloquently sums up the majority feeling of NUFC fans.

Viva la revolution!

Posted by Michael Steele on October 25, 2006 2:36 PM

Shepherd is simply another scapegoat and when he is gone, then someone else will be in to promise us things that they know they cannot deliver.

I don't like the man, but the matter of his salary is a moot point. Without the figures at hand, I believe that most plc's run on the basis of paying the chairman a high wage, in proportion to how much the club makes. Chelsea, Man Utd, Real, Barca, Milan, Bayern will have similar infrastructures. Newcastle are in the top ten richest clubs in the world. Understandably this is due to the fans loyalty, but by creating a product successful enough to make money, he should then make a profit.

The problem is the fans delusion, a new man at the helm and all of a sudden we will be up there challenging for major honours. It simply won't happen like that. Discontentment will grow when the success stalls and the cycle will begin again.

The Keegan days were magical, but now they're over. The fans should remember this, and accept that they may never be back.
Posted by Tom Hess on October 25, 2006 1:41 PM

Thanks Henry - a great article which captures the sentiment of all true Toon fans. A well known insider lamented that this club buys expensive bricks to build with but fails to provide the cement to keep them together. Well let me tell you -we'll need sandbags not bricks if nothing is done soon.
WellFedFred must go
Posted by Gordon Parfitt on October 25, 2006 1:39 PM

Well written article full of the truth. I have been a fan at SJP since 1960 and a season ticket holder for 20 years (5 tickets). I now live in Spain and travel regularly to SJP but if the current trend continues I will not be renewing these tickets next season. Shepherd & DH OUT!!!
Posted by John H on October 25, 2006 1:27 PM

Please, please, Sir John Hall, do not seek to defend the indefensible. Freddie Shepherd has been an unmitigated disaster as club chairman and the sooner he goes the better for the whole region. Anyone who is in charge of a football club which spends around £18 million on Albert Luque and Alain Boumsong has clearly never found the plot, let alone lost it!
Posted by Alan H Smith on October 25, 2006 1:26 PM

An excellent article, but anyone expecting it to trigger anything substantial amongst the Newcastle supporters (of whom I am one) is living a pipe dream.

A similarly insightful and damning article appeared in the Observer a number of months ago as I'm sure Mr Winter is aware, and wor Shephead didn't lose any sleep.

Until the local press in Newcastle decide to start fulfilling their remit for a change, and realise their obligation is to the people of the City rather than the club nothing will happen. The Evening Chronicle sports section may as well be called 'The World According to Freddie' and until this changes nothing else will.
Posted by Michael Telfer on October 25, 2006 1:23 PM

Shepherd and his cronies have had a good living from the Toon faithful for ten years now. In that time he has frittered away a team edging towards our first league title since 1927 and replaced it with trophy signings designed to bring more money into the coffers for shirt sales. Mismanagement has left us bereft of hope.

Now we see a glimmer of hope.

Geordies may or may not be some of the best fans in the country but we must not fail to make a stand at some point.

Let this be the beginning.
Posted by Simon Lee on October 25, 2006 12:56 PM

excellent article by Henry

I agree with his articles and every comment above

Its time Shepherd took notice of whats going on around him, and sold up now

SHEPHERD OUT NOW!
Posted by Taffytoon on October 25, 2006 12:53 PM

Henry its wonderful to read an article by an unbiased supporter of the game. Neither Hall or Shepherd have the funds required to run the club to the satisfaction of its loyal and over tolerant fans. Newcastle have been a laughing stock amongst the elite of football for over 40 years because of underachievement and long-term funded planning. they should shut up and go away and allow a team of experts to give the loyal supporters their reward for decades of humiliation and patience. Once again Henry my heartfelt thanks to a true lover of the game.
Posted by david veitch on October 25, 2006 11:43 AM

Fantastic article Henry.

The man has slowly drained the life out of the
club I love for too long now.

The irony in his name strikes me!
SHEPHERD: a person who protects, guides, or
watches over a person or group of people.
* to watch over carefully.

What a joke.

SHEPHERED OUT!!

Posted by Anth Moore on October 25, 2006 11:21 AM

Henry, thanks for giving this issue the profile it deserves. Our local press won't say this stuff.

The only problem at NUFC that Shepherd is not ultimately responsible for is the blind loyalty of the fans which has resulted in us tolerating him for so long.

Please do not let Shepherd off the hook.
Posted by Al Davies on October 25, 2006 11:15 AM

An excellent piece of work!

Thank you for highlighting the real story at SJP - the story those at The Journal & Evening Chronicle have never had the courage to write.

Shepherd (& Hall Jnr) OUT!
Posted by Alistair Moir on October 25, 2006 11:11 AM

Thank you Mr Winter, for too long the mass media has ignored the feelings of us true mag fans.Well done for such a thoughtful and insightful piece. Keep up the good work!!!!!
Posted by Barry on October 25, 2006 10:46 AM

Well done Mr Winter you've put into words what we all feel, it's a shame our own local press (you know who you are)can't, they'd rather spout the propoganda from that excuse of a Chairman who has sent our club into decline.
Posted by Barry on October 25, 2006 10:40 AM

Excellent and extremely accurate article by Henry. If Newcastle are to go anywhere we need both a quality manager and a quality chairman. At the moment we have neither.

Yes, Shepherd has spent a lot but we have also sold many players too. Too many players coming and going with no real master plan. Too many bad decisions like renewing Dyer's contract and keeping faith with Ameobi and Bramble.

Up the toon, new chairman reqired if interested please apply.
Posted by Jonathan S on October 25, 2006 10:20 AM

I see John Hall has come out in defence of Shepherd with the very tired 'backed every manager in the transfer market' cliche. As many others have commented, all too often Shepherd is deciding who should be signed, using the excuse that the fans want star names. This simply isn't true. As for Hall himself, whilst credited with turning the club around in the early nineties, I have never been comfortable with his motives and he certainly profitted handsomely from floating on the stock exchange.
Posted by Rogue Element on October 25, 2006 9:45 AM

As many have said the toon have some good players (Emre, Parker, Duff, etc.) bought at great cost. We had one year to solve the centre forward problem with Al retiring. We have known for two years we had a central defensive problem. So why are we not playing well? Why did Roeder not give these problems his highest priority and solve them? When you answer these questions - the end result is obvious. Roeder was not the man for the job. So we turn to the second question. Why have we had to sack so many managers in the last 15 years? Then you have the answer to the second question. With these answers comes the realization that nothing will change until these problems are addressed.

At this moment the TOON will survive. But a team with so much talent, playing well below their collective potential, languishing in the bottom third (and in truth not deserving to be much higher) tells you where the problem is. Roeder is not a world class manager. he is a great assistant. But will never be in the same class as O'neil, Wenger, etc.
Posted by john toon fan #1 on October 25, 2006 4:55 AM

Henry,
The Geordie Nation salutes you for articulating our collective angst in a way that a supine local press dare not. Keep up the missionary work, sir.
Posted by Joe Palooka on October 25, 2006 12:19 AM

As ever, Henry Winter hits the target without resorting to tabloidesque references to "Toongate" or Shepherd's girth.

Shepherd has one failing: his inability to plan beyond the next season ticket sale. We are reaping the dividend of his short-termism.

Thanks to Henry Winter for his wonderful article.
Posted by Lynda Wright on October 25, 2006 12:05 AM

Top class article,hit the nail right on the head,captured how we feel up here nicely,hope there is more to come from you.Shepherd OUT!
Posted by Numbers on October 24, 2006 11:38 PM

Bang on. Roeder is a man of immense dignity
who loves the club and few blame him for this
situation. I've given up thinking we'll ever win
anything but for Shepherd hopefully soon
getting his come-uppance makes life
worthwhile.
Posted by Mal Maclean on October 24, 2006 11:29 PM

You won't listen to us Freddie. Will you listen to our Henry?
Posted by bobbtatstabbo on October 24, 2006 11:29 PM

Great article, speaks on behalf of ALL us supporters, without question I believe.

Take heed Mr. Shepherd, do the right thing and leave the running of this club to others.
Posted by Saldamuz on October 24, 2006 11:28 PM

One Henry Winter..

There's only.....

One Henry Winter..

Howay The Lads !
Posted by Boris on October 24, 2006 11:17 PM

Thanks very much Mr Winter for telling it as it is at my club NUFC. I have been a season ticket holder for over twenty years but have not been to the last two games (cannot give my ticket away) i refuse to give anymore to the club until it is rid of Shepherd.
Posted by Paul the Mag on October 24, 2006 10:53 PM

Fred the end is nigh, the revolution is coming!
Posted by micky d on October 24, 2006 9:41 PM

As an outsider looking in at Newcastle, you can easily see that Shepherd is the root of all that is wrong with Newcastle United. Hopefully Shepherd will go, but it will take 5 years to get you back to anywhere like the Keegan days and a top 4 finish.
Posted by Jack fagan on October 24, 2006 9:36 PM

I agree 100% with the article by Henry Winter.And Shepherd had the nerve to call Man United a 'Rudderless Ship' some 18 months ago.The football we have played in the last 2 years has been utter garbage.
Posted by Andrew Elliott on October 24, 2006 9:28 PM

Great article. Glad that you give a voice and some credence to what most supporters here feel about the running of our club. The local evening paper will not express any criticism whatsoever of the Chairman and his mismanagement of our club, they don't ask the questions we want answered and airbrush over the discontent and despair amongst the Toon Army. Sorry that you'll probably be barred from SJP from now on.
Posted by GP: on October 24, 2006 9:25 PM

This is a wonderful piece of journalism, written by a man who fully understands the longstanding frustrations of Newcastle United supporters,and how important the club is to the black and white hordes and the city. He is also nobody's fool, and can see through the transparent chairman we have. Thank you Henry. This story maybe the catalyst in bringing someone to the helm who is able to move the club forward again. You are so right in what you say about a boycott. It will never occur. Especially in cup games where there is another fan waiting for a season ticket holders seat should they decide to stay away. Please carry on your support of us fans. Hopefully it will have the effect we all crave. He has made our club a laughing stock SHEPHERD OUT.
Posted by Paul Sadler on October 24, 2006 9:24 PM

Henry,
Excellent writing, the local press should hang there collective heads in shame.
Howay the lads, your welcome Mr Winter anytime and freedom of the city if you can keep the pressure on Fred and local press clowns.
Posted by David on October 24, 2006 9:12 PM

Excellent article, you hit the nail on the head. What people need to realise is that these are the views of the majority of NUFC fans. Roeder will pay with his job no doubt whilst that man spouts drivel about his appointment being the 'fans choice', through his local mouthpiece.
Posted by Nick W on October 24, 2006 8:49 PM

Leading a club like Newcastle is a difficult job. Overall Fred has made a decent job of it and this article is a tad unfair. I'd like to see him continue awhile yet.
Posted by Doug, Gibraltar on October 24, 2006 8:44 PM

I could not agree more with this article and the comments from the other nufc fans on here. Fred Shepherd turned us into the laughing stock of britain and we demand that he gets out now and allows somebody else the chance to get it right. He is draining any passion the fans still have for the club. And the sooner he goes the better

Oh and Shepherd OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Posted by Dave Slater on October 24, 2006 8:41 PM

We have had a joke defence for some time now and yet Fred, despite having from June until September to sort it, did not manage to strengthen our rearguard. Oh, I forgot, it was the Transfer Window's fault, wasn't it Freddy? He is entrusted with the responsibility to run this club properly and for the above reason alone, amongst many other misdemeanors, SHEPHERD OUT!
Posted by Chris on October 24, 2006 8:35 PM

Excellent article, shepherd out should echo through the whole ground. His/Halls comments of some years ago will never be forgotten, leave and take your cronies with you.
Posted by David Hayward on October 24, 2006 8:24 PM

Henry,

Thank you for putting Shepherd to the sword in the national press. I cannot recall a more accurate and insightful piece in the Telegraph,you have given the frustrated majority a platform - Shepherd Out!
Posted by paul wilkinson on October 24, 2006 8:22 PM

Henry- great article which is exactley what the fans have been saying. The local press are scared of Shepherd and Hall.

Hopefully a follow up article showing how much money Shepherd and the Halls have drained out of the club over the years.

Bobby Robson apart every manger Shepherd has appointed has been a complete disaster!
Posted by Boo Boy on October 24, 2006 8:21 PM

This is the best article I have EVER read about my club. Insightful, and spot on. Thankyou henry Winter for summing up the mood of the Geordie nation.
Posted by Adam Marshall on October 24, 2006 8:20 PM

Henry Winter what an absolutely fantastic article! It is plain for all to see what Shepherd is doing/ has done to our club. Just 10 years ago we were "The Entertainers" the team everybody loved and wanted to see, now what are we? The laughing stock of England, Shepherd must leave if we are to go anywhere because in my eyes the only way for us at the moment is down.
Shepherd Out!
Posted by Aidan Monaghan on October 24, 2006 8:18 PM

well said Henry. Shepherd lost his flock when he failed to appoint a top class manager with a top class coach after Roeder had saved his neck at the end of last season. A poor appointment as manager done on the cheap and looking very much like the yes man Shepherd craves.
Posted by garry wilson on October 24, 2006 8:16 PM

A tremendous peice of journalism and 100% true. No more needs to be said than the last two words of the article.
Posted by Mark Bowerman on October 24, 2006 8:13 PM

We Geordies often feel that the "London-based
media" doesn't like or understand us -- and
sometimes we're even right. But Henry Winter
has perfectly articulated the current situation at
Newcastle and how the fans think about it.
Contrast that with Freddy Shepherd, who strives
to legitimise his bloated "financial package" with
claims that he "understands the supporters". He
doesn't. Henry does. Shepherd out.
Posted by Osbourne Y. Mandias on October 24, 2006 8:08 PM

At last a reporter who can write the true feelings of toon fans unlike one long term reporter in the local paper. Shepherd has had enough out of the club as well as the halls, its time for them to go asap. whilst you build a team from the back you build a business from the top and shep has had long enough. as a fan i believe the club treats us with contempt and shepherd has bred this, go now shepherd and take the halls with you.
Posted by kevin craggs on October 24, 2006 7:54 PM

At last, for all to see: an eloquent crystallization of the feelings of the VAST majority of Newcastle supporters-something the local press are unwilling to reflect. The FULL facts of the mismanagement of the club over the past ten years would astound a neutral observer.
Thanks HW.
Posted by KD on October 24, 2006 7:51 PM

I just want to say thank you Henry for putting into print what countless thousands of us want our local press to print themselves, your article is spot on.You just have to visit the ic Newcastle, have your say site, to see that virtually everyone agrees with your sentiments......Shepherd out.
Posted by Al;len Barber on October 24, 2006 7:42 PM

Me again, I would just like to say THANK YOU for the most accurate article i have ever read about Newcastle. There have been too many stupid and untrue articles flying around spoiling Newcastle United's Reputation for years. So thanks again for giving all of us hope for a brighter future WITHOUT SHEPHERD.
Posted by JP from The Rock of Gibraltar on October 24, 2006 7:39 PM

Shepherd is a disgrace readying his pockets with over 500k a year of our (the fans) clubs money. The man is an idiot and could organise a drinking trip in newcastle breweries. Falls behind bigger characters like robson, shearer etc now they're not there it is showing even more.
Great article, shame local pundits in our local rag can't speak truth instead of having their head right behind shepherds bottom.
Posted by mark hamilton on October 24, 2006 7:38 PM

SPOT ON Henry!!! I couldn't agree more. This great club deserves much better and i can only dream of a takeover. If only your incredibly accurate article could rub off on some journilists out there we could be living a dream. Shepherd has always given me the notion of him being a greedy man just by the way he looks :D You tend to wonder how he manages to cough up all the transfer kitty every year, but then again you only have to look at his income. Proving he is as greedy as they come as he is in the top five business earners! I really believe that Glenn Roeder has the ability to succeed, another change of manger will only make matters worse!! Consistancy has to start in management for there to be consistancy on the pitch. We need results and Roeder can give them to us, he has been extremely unfortunate on injuries to Owen and co. So its simple, keep Roeder and GET SHEPHERD OUT NOW!!!
Posted by JP from The Rock of Gibraltar on October 24, 2006 7:29 PM

About time somebody put down in words what the fans are thinking. Thank you. Shepherd out!
Posted by Lee Wales on October 24, 2006 7:26 PM

Thank you Mr Winter, for giving the Toon fans the national exposure we've been craving for this issue.

Shepherd must go!
Posted by Sean D., Chester-Le-Street, Co.Durham on October 24, 2006 7:15 PM

Absolutely superb article which captures the mood of the Geordie nation better than has been by our 'own' journalists.

Posted by Dave Balmer on October 24, 2006 7:14 PM

Its so nice that one of the heavyweights of the British Press has highlighted just what is happening at St James's Park. A fabulous article Mr Winter and no doubt the tabloids will have a field day with this now. Keep up the good work Mr Winter we need good honest professional journalists like you on our side
Posted by john on October 24, 2006 7:10 PM

Like any organisation, a football club has to be run properly from the top down. The person in ultimate control will make or break it - and Shepherd just isn't up to the job. Shepherd has been incredibly unpopular for a long time now and it is time for a change. Just look at the outpouring of gratitude for this article!
Posted by Paul Scope on October 24, 2006 7:02 PM

Excellent article sir! Well researched and written. Hope this adds momentum to the Shep out campaign...
Posted by Joe on October 24, 2006 6:59 PM

Excellent article! Fantastic!

I have long hated Well-fed-Fred due to his policies which are:

1) The controlling of transfer policies (buying players to sell printed replica shirts instead of a good team),
and 2) his appointing of puppet managers who took the job as they would allow him to do this unquestioned.

We must remove this man.
Posted by Matthew on October 24, 2006 6:47 PM

This article is absolutely spot on. I am a true Newcastle supporter who feels totally distraught that Freddie Shepherd will not sell up and move on. His time running the club has been completely disastrous and littered with baffling decisions which have sent Newcastle in a continuous downward spiral.

The day he finally leaves my club will be one of the happiest of my life.
Posted by Mike A, Consett on October 24, 2006 6:41 PM

A fantastic article! It gives me a glimer of hope that we may see the back of this chairman, without having to sacrifice something that one, above so accurately described as our birthright.......to cherish and follow our beloved Toon. Also, its a sad state of affairs that certain representatives for the local press are so obviously blind, that the cannot se what is happening here - vive la revolution!
Posted by Alex on October 24, 2006 6:39 PM

An excellent article which is 100% accurate. If only local press were willing to write similar reports the dire situation we find ourselfs in may be one stage closer to a happier conclusion. Please keep up the good work. Shepherd out!
Posted by Paul Luca on October 24, 2006 6:37 PM

Completely agree with everything written by Henry.
Howay tha lads! Shep OOT!
Posted by Statts on October 24, 2006 6:27 PM

Thanks Henry. Great finger on the pulse journalism. Its good to see you and other respected national journalists helping to expose the real story here. Looks like there is a real momentum for change now. Thanks again.
Posted by Wil on October 24, 2006 6:14 PM

Thanks you very much this is the feeling of the real fans of tyneside
I was sitting with 3000 fans waiting for the arrival of Guillt when he became manager first they were an hour late then a toothless grey hired man lead the entourage onto the pitch. Totally amateruish
Posted by Alan Browell on October 24, 2006 6:13 PM

Mr Shepherd is no Steve Gibson, but who is?

You obviously don’t get to SJP very often.

Posted by One Flew Over The Magpies Nest on October 24, 2006 6:12 PM

If only the local press could see this, this is all true and i thank you for saying it. He claims that he is a geordie, but no real geordie would say the things he has said in the past about the area and the people of newcastle. the man just plays to the public and we can now see through this as the rest of the country is now seeing also.

Shepherd out!!!!!!
Posted by Dan Lycett on October 24, 2006 5:59 PM

At last the perfect articulation of how I, and the overwhelming majority of my fellow supporters feel - not only about the obvious state of the club, but also an insight for the rest of the country means to be a Geordie.
Newcastle United is so much more to us than just a football club and it hurts like hell to see shepherd destroy it
I desperately want to make a protest and stay away from games but I can't - it's my birthright to support NUFC and I will til I die
Posted by ian dickinson on October 24, 2006 5:45 PM

Excellent article and so true. The one thing this club lacks is patience. Shepherd has no patience with the managers, the players show no patience on the ball and resort to hoofing it up the middle, and the fans appear to the outsiders to have no patience. The truth is we are not impatient, we are frustrated, frustrated at seeing our fanatic support and loyalty being abused by Freddy Shepherd.
Posted by Jim.Greenfield on October 24, 2006 5:14 PM

One only has to look at teams like Chelsea to recognise that wealthy and progressive owners make a difference to performance of a football club not like the out-of-date leadership of Newcastle United.

Posted by Sidney C Todd on October 24, 2006 5:12 PM

99% of Newcastle fans will agree with this article, Shepherd has turned a club who not so long ago were seen as the entertainers, into a clown parade and he has to go.
Posted by Neil from Shiremoor on October 24, 2006 5:06 PM

Thankyou for publishing a story the likes of which the snivelling sycophantic North East press would have been too scared to contemplate. It's sad how the London-based press seem to have more of an insight into Geordies' feelings than what "our" mouthpiece does.

Shepherd out!
Posted by Geordie_In_Manc on October 24, 2006 5:01 PM

Shepherd has been an infection in our club for too long. He has hidden behind the likes of Shearer and now he has no talisman to hide behind. He should have gone after the imfamous insults to Newcastle women etc.
Posted by Jimbothemag on October 24, 2006 4:56 PM

I was so pleased by this article, that I thought I would post a second comment to the effect that I have sent a cut out copy direct to the club, in the hope that it will be read by Freddy Shepherd, and that he will take note of the sentiments and sell his shares.
Posted by Nigel Marshall on October 24, 2006 4:53 PM

Fantastic article Henry, please keep this up to help put pressure on getting rid of the Chairman who is destroying OUR club.
Posted by Richard Flinn on October 24, 2006 4:30 PM

excellent article henry shame our local press haven`t got the minerals to say the truth of what is really going on at our club shephard and hall out
Posted by gary tate on October 24, 2006 4:19 PM

That was a fantastic piece Mr Winter and sums up the feelings of mine and the majority of NUFC fans. I always like reading your articles and you come across very well when you’re eating Croissants and drinking Orange Juice (I’m sure some of the other Journalists have Vodka in theirs mind!) on that programme with Jimmy Hill on Sky Sports but that is the best article I’ve read from you.

Great stuff mate; the article has gone down an absolute treat with the NUFC fans that I know.

Posted by Paully, Hebburn. on October 24, 2006 4:07 PM

Excellent article, thie just shows the ground swell of support for a Freddie out campaign.
Posted by TEDDY MAUGHAN on October 24, 2006 4:03 PM

Great article Henry. It sums up exactly my feelings and the shambles that Shepherd has presided over. It is criminal the way he has destroyed our club all the while reaping huge personal rewards. I, like the vast majority of Newcastle fans, despise this man and pray and hope that he sells up soon; which is after all the only way we will be rid of this clown.
Posted by Sned on October 24, 2006 3:46 PM

AT last, a member of the press who realises what the club means to the City of Newcastle and what a complete disaster Mr Shepherd has been as Chairman of Newcastle United. He has taken us from almost champions to relegation contenders and his mismanagement of MY football club has left me heartbroken. As I used to say on the Gallowgate at the end of the 80's - "SACK THE BOARD - SHEPHERD OUT"
Posted by Craig Dixon, Prudhoe on October 24, 2006 3:44 PM

Excellent article Henry!

I hope that this is a turning point in the history of NUFC - when 10 years of Shepherd's ineptitude are finally brought to an end.

It just sickens me that the greedy so and so is going to walk away with an absolute fortune in his wallet.

But Shepherd HAS to go!

Posted by Graeme H on October 24, 2006 3:43 PM

Shepherd spends too much time meddling in the football side of things (and will always go for the trophy signing over the needed signing).

The only way to remove the nonsense soap opera that has been NUFC for the last 9.5 years is to remove one of the root causes.

We need someone with vision, not just someone that stumbles from one crisis to the next with headline grabbing PR to try and smooth things over inbetween.
Posted by Dave Norman on October 24, 2006 3:40 PM

At last a writer in the national media goes beyond the usual bad defence cliche and points to the real problem at Newcastle. If only Alan Oliver had the guts to write this kind of article. Sheperd has been able to hide behind the fans loyalty to the club for far too long.
Posted by Alex on October 24, 2006 3:37 PM

Well done Henry.
At last a top flight columnist writing what I have been saying for over 2 years. I'm not a great fan of Sir John Hall, but with him at the helm we were something and players couldn't get pen to contract quick enough. Perhaps if he would come back, at least to the end of the season, we would feel more confident about the future.
Posted by arthur silver on October 24, 2006 3:34 PM

Congratulations and thank you for a prescient and welcome article. The fans' opposition to Shepherd, growing by the day, is because we recognise how badly he has managed the club. We welcome your recognition that he has done so in his own interest and ignored what is right for the club from a long term perspective. When will he realise that big trophy signings will not placate us, and do not bring about the success that we deserve. Only long term strategy and planning will do that. Bring on the takeover and lets hope that new owners understand that good scouting and academies bring success, expensive signings do not.
Posted by Nigel Marshall on October 24, 2006 3:30 PM

First of all may I thank you Mr. Winter for telling it like it is, spot on. I still fear that the situation will remain as it is.

Many fans have commented on the financial support given to managers by Mr. Shepherd but as previously mentioned it is the clubs money not his. I would like to also point out that the Government have supposedly increased spending on public services e.g. the NHS/Education etc. but has that helped?...

Currently the club has no direction, no morale, no drive, and no bright future. We need some pride back in our club and fast.

It is time for change, NOW!
Posted by AP Toon on October 24, 2006 3:17 PM

Henry Winter has always impressed me as a football
journalist - on this occasion he has surpassed. One
of the best articles i've read which accurately
describes the shambles that is now Newcastle
United that Shepherd has created with his
arrogance, greed and total ineptitude. It's a shame
that the name of Douglas Hall is not also sighted in
this article. He is as much to blame as Shepherd.
Posted by David Beaton on October 24, 2006 3:15 PM

You are the "Winter" of our discontent!! Perfectly sums up the situation at St James Scrapyard. I remember very well standing in SJP many years ago souting "Westwood must go, out in the snow" now is the time for FS to go out in this winters snow. We need to be run quietly behind the scenes, and strongly by a TOP CLASS MANAGER, not cheap alternatives (sorry Glenn).
Posted by Kevin on October 24, 2006 3:03 PM

Is this a record number of comments in the shortest period of time ? That's because NU have the best support!
Posted by John R . Thompson on October 24, 2006 2:55 PM

Shep is a poor excuse for a football director. He has never been forgiven for calling geordie women 'dogs' etc.

He does not deserve to be in charge of this great club. Many of us would gladly sell our right legs to get a chance of being able to run NUFC, he has no idea how priviledged he is and due to that fact alone he should go.

Go Freddy, in the name of all that is holy please just GO!
Posted by Tyneside scott on October 24, 2006 2:51 PM

Just a quick comment on what bill kimage has had to say. Your right SBR did get us in the Champions League under FF. Then FF sacked him. Then he chose to replace him with Souness. He then sacked him. He then got in Roeder and you can see where we are now.

Can you see why it's time FF went.
Posted by Phil on October 24, 2006 2:43 PM

Just a quick comment on what Dave Allen has had to say. Your right SBR did get us in the Champions League under FF. Then FF sacked him. Then he chose to replace him with Souness. He then sacked him. He then got in Roeder and you can see where we are now.

Can you see why it's time FF went.
Posted by Phil on October 24, 2006 2:41 PM

There must be more posts supporting this article than there will be fans at St James' on Wednesday night. Well Done.
Posted by Ian on October 24, 2006 2:36 PM

Thank you, every word is true. Newcastle fans pay the price for devoted loyalty. Shephard has to go.
Posted by Sue Donathy on October 24, 2006 2:36 PM

Good article.

The sentiments posted here accurately reflect the views and opinions of the fans I think.I for one cannot say too much on this matter, but there is a great deal more going on behind the scenes that we may see.We would welcome a takeover from any legitimate and open investors ( of any nationality, we dont just want GEORDIES) and at least 52,000 loyal fans are waiting to give you their support and backing. All we want is openness and honesty.We dont even mind if you make money out of us!

Posted by snorky on October 24, 2006 2:34 PM

Henry,

Well done on an excellent piece of work. It was my concern after seeing Alan Olivers' attempts to
put out the fire yesterday on SSN that this latest attempt to rouse up the feeling of discontent was not going to come to anything; however having read your piece that has brought attention to national level I feel more confident that we can make this snowball and get this current joke of a club sorted.

Well done again Henry and keep it up boys, lets not let this one lie.
Posted by Jimmy C on October 24, 2006 2:27 PM

In response to steve mcgill's comments below.

Yes, Freddie has spent a lot of money but firstly, that is not his money, it is the money we as fans have ploughed into the club, only to see no return in the way of trophies. secondly, while he may show ambition in the transfer market, his lack of judgement had severly undermined him and our chances of success. just spending money is not enough to win trophies, you must back it up with intelligent and sensible planning. in terms of being a Chairman, this means getting the club right behind-the-scenes, and appointing the right manager. Shepherd has done neither of these things so must go.

If someone else comes in as owner they will still have the same amount of (our) money to spend, but may plan the future of the club in a more capable manner. They may not too, but most fans have reached the stage where they feel it is worth taking the risk.

Shepherd Out.
Posted by John, Blaydon on October 24, 2006 2:26 PM

Hit the nail on the head Henry, an absolutely accurate account of the feelings us supporters have. Pity the local press are not brave enough to file the same account. Hope Oliver has read this article.
Posted by Alan Flinn on October 24, 2006 2:23 PM

From an impartial observer/neighbour in Hartlepool Henry W's article hits its very large target dead square.Its sad to watch a club with so much potential be abused as a cash cow.
Posted by Paul Robson on October 24, 2006 2:18 PM

Fantastic article giving the true feelings of the fans.
We have been let down, and gagged by the
local press.
SHEPHERD OUT!
Posted by Mike B on October 24, 2006 2:15 PM

So when was this undying support born?
I remember the last tough times at SJP were synonymous with a lot of empty terracing.
Posted by Peter Campbell on October 24, 2006 2:09 PM

Freddie Shepherd is the ill of Newcastle United, no doubt about it.

He brought utter shame to our club - insulted our ladies, sneared Shearer as Marry Poppin, ridiculed the supporters as replica shirts buyers, and showed contempt at lower league clubs just because they don't have a massive supporter base.

Any reasonable Geordie should be thoroughly embarrassed, not least he is the one who pumps up the idea of Geordie Nation just to inflate his pocket.

Go away Freddie Sheperd. You are a shame to us, once you resign you will never be upheld as a hero of Geordie Nation. You will be the villain, forever will be, no matter how badly your successor does.

You lust for power and money. You got our money, you still got the power. But let's us see what would happen after you resign. You are a shame to all of us.

Shame! Shame! Shame!
Posted by Dilston Mag on October 24, 2006 2:09 PM

Lovely Article, Keep them coming.

Posted by Sam Jellicoe on October 24, 2006 2:06 PM

This article sums up the mood of the city. Thank you Mr Winter.
Posted by Andrew Noble on October 24, 2006 2:01 PM

So acurate!!!!
Posted by Mark Bowes on October 24, 2006 2:00 PM

Fred, we know you don't have a conscience, so just listen to the 50,000 fans at the next home game.

We're fed up with you.
Posted by Gav H on October 24, 2006 1:58 PM

Thank you, thank you, thank you Henry. We have felt for a long long time that there is no hope for our beloved club. You have given us a light at the end of the tunnel. Please keep this up as our local journalists are afraid to in case they are not allowed anymore interviews and that would affect paper sales. John Gibson is the only Chronicle man that ever talks sense, but we imagine even his hands are tied to a certain extent. As season ticket holders for years (we are late 50's) we feel we will die before we see anything won with this man Shepherd in charge.
Posted by Homer S on October 24, 2006 1:50 PM

He shouldn't go now. He's been the underlying problem for a long time, but if he left now it would be by selling to a venture capital outfit. They would be more ruthless in penny-pinching and wouldn't take the gambles on £10m players Freddie has. We'd get worse.
Posted by Tim Wilson on October 24, 2006 1:50 PM

An outstanding article. Summed up perfectly. Shepherd out!

Nice one HW
Posted by Steve on October 24, 2006 1:43 PM

Well done Henry, another excellent article. In tune with the local fans opinions and wishes.

Keep it up.
Posted by Paul on October 24, 2006 1:42 PM

Please turn the lights off on your way out Freddie boy...
Posted by terry hibberts left foot on October 24, 2006 1:39 PM

Great piece from a well-respected journalist. Henry, you are spot-on with your comments with one very important exception. The fans WILL abandon the club and the signs are already there to see. I'm old enough to remember the Fairs Cup win and was a regular in the Gallowgate End from 1972 onwards. By the time the 1980's came around, the fans had deserted the club in droves, leaving home gates around the 15,000 mark. I lost interest and, despite being a season ticket holder for many years, I gave it up last season and don't have to renew any longer as there's enough spare seats to buy a ticket game per game. There's no doubt, the club is on the slide and, this time, it's not about the manager.
Posted by David Atkinson on October 24, 2006 1:35 PM

Thanks Henry,

Enough is enough!

I'm fed up of NUFC being column fodder for the press.

Let's hope that your articulate and accurate summary of the debacle at SJP can mark the start of a process of change.

I for one will put my name behind a "Shepherd OUT!" campaign - only a FUNDAMENTAL change within the club's hierarchy will bring about the genuine reform needed.

HOWAY THE LADS
Posted by Jonnrz on October 24, 2006 1:33 PM

Top class article. Sums up the feelings of the majority of fans. The black and white tinted specs of the adoring faithful have come off and the fan base are realising that we've been shortchanged and hoodwinked for years.

Hopefully the current upsurge against Shepherd will transfer to large scale demonstrations and the end of the frankly embarrassing Shepherd era.

Posted by Nick on October 24, 2006 1:32 PM

All I can say is thank you. Someone in the national press who actually understands what is happening and how the fans up here feel. Something even the local press either fail to notice or don't want to acknowledge due to the privileged position some reporters are put in by the current administration.
Keep it going and you will have a whole city as a friend for life.
The sooner this man is ousted the better NUFC and English football as a whole will be.

Well done.
Posted by Richard Hattel on October 24, 2006 1:31 PM

A truly brilliant article which totally sums up the situation. Every independant Newcastle United forum shares this view and it's high time it was publicised in the written press. Mr Winter I thank you sincerely. Shame the local evening press could not have taken this lead and been the voice for the fans instead of, quite clearly, a voice for the club - quite how the chief editor can make a video interview following the Middlesbrough game stating, and I quote, "crisis, what crisis?" is totally beyond the imagination of any true fan of Newcastle United.

Hopefully the fools who are in charge of (and ruining) this football club will take notice, do the honourable thing and step aside. It's time for change. Sir John Hall lifted this club to wonderful heights in the mid 90s, it's been in permanent decline ever since.

Time for the current chairman to go. For once Mr Shepherd, listen to your paying public and go!
Posted by Craig Hayton on October 24, 2006 1:29 PM

Thanks for saying what the local press do not have the guts to say. ALAN OLIVER PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Posted by Bob Ayre on October 24, 2006 1:28 PM

a well writen story,thanks very much and hopefully shepherd will take note and leave and take roeder with him.
Posted by john marshall on October 24, 2006 1:25 PM

Shepherd out-Enough said
Posted by Tony Hemy on October 24, 2006 1:24 PM

Well said Mr Winter.

A very accurate assesment of the situation that the loyal fans find themselves in.

It is refreshing to read that an esteemed journalist such as yourself can see the true picture and know what the fans know, this club can only move forward when he is gone.
Posted by Amy on October 24, 2006 1:22 PM

I don't always agree with Henry Winter's comments, but this considered piece is accurate and sums up perfectly what a lot of fans are thinking.

I expect Mr Winter's press pass for St James will be rescinded forthwith- no dissent from the official line allowed!
Posted by P Muzz on October 24, 2006 1:20 PM

Excellent article Mr Winter - expresses very nicely what a lot of fans are feeling at the moment.

Freddy Shepherd constantly reminds us of the money he has spent at the club as though it were his money, where in actual fact it all comes from the fans.

We're further away from silverware now than at any point since he took over.

Enough is enough - have some dignity, and leave now please.
Posted by Martin Hill on October 24, 2006 1:13 PM

Well said Henry, the article on Shepherd hits the nail squarely on the head.
Posted by Kevin Reay on October 24, 2006 1:08 PM

Love the article, no local journo (Yes you Mr Alan oliver) would have dared to write that for fear of Shepherd banning him from the ground.

Hope you bring this subject up next time you are on Sky Sports Jimmy Hill talk show and on the Sky Sports phone in.
Posted by Mavis Beacon on October 24, 2006 1:06 PM

One of the best, if not the best article I have ever read about Newcastle United. I love my club but I know that it's rotten to the core & will remain so with Shepherd at the helm.
Have NUFC still got an office in Gibraltar ? If so, what for ?
A brilliant article - more of the same please - Shepherd must go - along with "playboy" Douglas Hall.
Posted by Dave Allen on October 24, 2006 1:01 PM

lets all blame freddy, and lets all blame titus for our defence.

as usual my fellow toon army look for the easy scape goat

i aint no fan of FF but he has pumped our money into the club, and you cant argue with the signings of emre,duff,parker,owen

if we think that we will be better off under the belgravia consortium, then we are kidding ourselves. big style!!!

lest we forget that SBR had us in the champion's league and playing good football, all that was under the time of shepherd, and there was no grumbling then

did shepherd get rossi on loan and then not play him? the problem is not just FF
Posted by bill kimage on October 24, 2006 1:00 PM

This is the first part of the story we have been waiting to read since the Fake Sheik expose. It is long overdue, it is going to kick off in the next 10 days - and even our local papers will have to remove the blinkers. You forgot to mention that Douglas Hall, no one knows what he does! Justice may not have been swift, but we know it is coming!!
Posted by Ed Ward on October 24, 2006 12:56 PM

pleasure to read....well done
Posted by Alan Parker on October 24, 2006 12:54 PM

Thanks Henry.

Great to know that there are people out there who care about what happens to us. One thing though - you dont mention Douglas Hall in your article, who I (and others) firmly believe is equally culpable as Shepherd in this mess, if not more. He was the one who made us a laughing stock by his arrogant boasts claiming (amongst other things), that we were "bigger than Barcelona", had "more money than Man United" and if I remember correctly, he came out with the "dogs" insult also. Keep up what you are doing, but give him the stick he richly deserves as well.

SHEPHERD (AND HALL!!!) OUT
Posted by Alan Thompson on October 24, 2006 12:53 PM

Henry,

Thanks for an accurate and truthful article. You have published nationally what I and all my fellow Newcastle supporting friends and family have been saying for a while. Shepherd has ATTEMPTED to rip the pride and soul out of our club to the point where we are the joke of the Premiership. His high-spending tactics haven't worked in the long-term.

Just sell up Fred and go and spend all the money we've put in your pocket. We just want our club back.
Posted by Graeme Langhorne on October 24, 2006 12:50 PM

Thank you Henry for writing in the national press what a majority of Newcastle fans have been thinking for years. Shepherd is the common denominator over the last 10 years as to why we have dropped from a top 2 club to relegation candidates. WE WELCOME ANY NEW INVESTORS WITH OPEN ARMS - PLEASE COME AND BUY US!!!
Thank god there are journalists like you about with some integrity rather than the sycophantic jokes like ALan Oliver of the Evening Chronicle who merely write what Shepherd tells them to. Freedom of speech! Let the fans be heard at the next few live televised games!

"SHEPHERD OUT!"
Posted by The_Flaming_Lip on October 24, 2006 12:49 PM

Fantastic article says what all Newcastle fans have wanted to say for a long time. He may have backed his managers but it was the wrong managers and it was our cash.
Posted by Phil on October 24, 2006 12:44 PM

shepherd backs his managers but the fans don't back him

its time to go freddy sell your shares and do the right thing
Posted by chewbaccas_leg on October 24, 2006 12:44 PM

Shepherd needs to know he is not welcome at NUFC. If only some other local journalists actually had the integrity to reflect the feelings of the fans rather than kowtow to board of NUFC.

And great article by the way.
Posted by mrclive on October 24, 2006 12:40 PM

FFS, ITS TIME TO LEAVE!!!

This is Big Brother Speaking! LEAVE NOW!!

Great article
Posted by wykikitoon on October 24, 2006 12:40 PM

WE WANT FREDDY OUT
Posted by Ivor on October 24, 2006 12:37 PM

Brilliant article Henry. Summed up the feelings of all the Newcastle United fans out there more eloquently that I, or anybody else for that matter ever could.
Posted by Matthew on October 24, 2006 12:36 PM

Well said Mr Winter! Shepherd has drained the club of money and happiness. Finally the silent majority are finding their voice. Perhaps it's time for that interested Denver billionaire to step forward and save a city.
Posted by dave smith on October 24, 2006 12:35 PM

I am an obviously un-typical geordie fan (season ticket holder). i agree with a lot of your article, but i baulk at change for change sake - and instability in the shape of getting rid of roeder and , yes, shepherd, wont do the club any favours. what you have totally ignored is the cast iron fact that shepherd is also a fan, and only wants the best for the club. the club has been let down by successive managers since the time of joe harvey - and the money that has been poured in is nothing short of obscene - but thats football at the moment, largely thanks to sky and abramovich. i dont want us to be side tracked into demonstrations against board or manager -they will simply see us take our eye off the ball. in reality, we are 4 players away from being realistic contenders - two of those are injured at the moment, one of them due to comeback very soon. we need a commanding cental defender and a strong and capable centre forward. i believe that shepherd will go all out for these players in the january window. keep the faith!!
Posted by steve mcgill on October 24, 2006 12:34 PM

Henry excellent read and I thank you for this. Check out link and see what fans really think of Freddy Shepherd.
Posted by Dave on October 24, 2006 12:33 PM

Excellent article, nearly all the fans feel the same, but we can't get the coverage to force him out.

with the daily telgraph you could help!
Posted by andrew spencer on October 24, 2006 12:31 PM

Well said!!!
Take note Freddy WE are not happy!!!

WE WANT SHEPHERD OOT, WE WANT SHEPHERD OOT
Posted by CHRIS on October 24, 2006 12:25 PM

Well said,i agree we need Sheperd out now before it's too late,Sheperd get us out of this mess and do the right thing,leave this club please.
Posted by Paul gagliardi on October 24, 2006 12:20 PM

Shepherd Out
Posted by wtdog on October 24, 2006 12:20 PM

Agree entirely with that, the non-appointment of M'ON for me has put the last nail in the coffin for Shepherd. No blame goes to Roeder, he is doing what anyone would in his position, trying his best which unfortunately is not good enough, but we all knew that before he took over, how come the chairman didnt?
Posted by Colin MacKay on October 24, 2006 12:14 PM

Thankyou for the cracking article, There have been many years of discontent and finally it is coming to a head. SHEPHERD OUT!!!
Posted by Rob Atkinson on October 24, 2006 12:13 PM

Dont Buy the pies!
Posted by Snorky on October 24, 2006 12:08 PM

Well said Henry and thank you writing it! The local press don't have the gumption to criticise Shepherd for fear of being banned from the club.

One noted local journalist's unwavering support for Shepherd has made him and his tawdry rag the biggest joke on Tyneside (besides Titus Bramble).

Posted by B H Wright on October 24, 2006 12:06 PM

Great article Henry - and as has been said, it puts our local media to shame. Shepherd has had them in his back pocket for some time now, so it's good to see the fan's concerns being raised on a national level.

SHEPHERD OUT !
Posted by John Burn on October 24, 2006 11:54 AM

Great article from a real newspaper always concise
and pointed whether it be sport or current affairs.
Well done Mr Winter, our discontent mapped.

Although I do feel Roeder is also culpable for taking
the job as he must know deep in his heart it is too
big for him.
Posted by Parky on October 24, 2006 11:50 AM

More of us are asking serious questions of almost everything at NUFC. On every level there is dissatisfaction with the running of our club and the view that the current regime is a busted flush has taken alight. As far as I can see there is very little at the club's disposal to put out that fire. Should the club fail to beat Portsmouth at home on Wednesday night, then Freddy Shepherd and the football geniuses in the boardroom will be directly in the line of fire and there will be plenty bullets and poisoned arrows heading in his direction.
Posted by True Faith on October 24, 2006 11:34 AM

Dear Henry,

Many Many thanks from a former member of the Magpie Group for your excellent article - my colleagues & I would NEVER have given of our own time for the current Chairman - he was part of the takeover consortium raised by Sir John Hall, but it was basically to get Sir John into power at the Club that we combated the previous Board.

Pls keep up the pressure - Shepherd has let the entire following of Newcastle United down , and MUST go - Quickly.
Posted by Trevor Scott on October 24, 2006 11:30 AM

The best article in years, spot on.

Shephard OUT!
Posted by Phil Hood on October 24, 2006 11:28 AM

Superb piece. Makes a refreshing change from the propaganda constantly fed to us by the club. Keep up the good work and we may eventually see some change.

Shepherd out.

Posted by Philip Alexander on October 24, 2006 11:26 AM

Shepherd has taken one of the premierships biggest clubs, and at the time of takeover, possibly the second biggest, and dragged us through years of failiure, missed opportunities, managers who in no way lived up to the stature of this club (souness, gullit, roeder to name a few). It is time for him to leave now!
Posted by marktoon on October 24, 2006 11:18 AM

Henry... excellent article, summing up the feelings of the majority of Toon fans that can't possibly blame Roeder for our current plight. Hopefully Mr Shepherd and the rest of the board read the article.
Posted by Liam Anderson on October 24, 2006 11:12 AM

Great article, hit the nail on the head. We have real problems here at Newcastle United and we will never progress from where we are and fulfill the massive potential we have with Shepherd at the club. Your last paragraph was perfect. SHEPHERD OUT.
Posted by Greg on October 24, 2006 11:08 AM

On reading this excellent article by a none " Geordie " makes a massive point in just how the rest of the football community regard Newcastle United and the supporters. I remember a feeling of great pride when Keegan and Sir John Hall represented the " Entertainers ", and through Sky T.V everyone in the country could see and experience Newcastles resurgence. We had a " feelgood factor " which spread over the country, we were the antipathy of every thing which was good in football at the time, everyone was talking about us in positive terms. Only Manchester United supporters were genuinely pleased to see their team win the league, everyone else would have wished for " The TOON ". Now ten years later the legacy given to Shepherd has been squandered and the club is a joke, thanks to gross mismanagement and total disregard for the fans and knee jerk reaction signings to the chairman's position. I know for a fact that fans will vote with their feet next season by NOT renewing their season tickets. Its up to you now Mr Shepherd to go now with some dignity or go in the summer shrouded in shame and your name in the dirt.
Posted by Arty H on October 24, 2006 10:56 AM

totally agree Henry, exactly spot on. This reflects on the mood perfectly in Newcastle right now.

Shepherd Out.
Posted by DM_NUFC on October 24, 2006 10:54 AM

Henry, excellent article. It's about time the fans showed Shepherd how they really feel. Its been a long time coming, but finally we're putting the pressure on.

Time for a change at the top. AND a new manager. We need to go to the next level.
Posted by Michael on October 24, 2006 10:50 AM

Henry, you should check your family tree you obviously have some Geordie blood pumping around your veins. An excellent piece of writing. My club has been going backwards ever since that self-publiscist took over from Sir John. Hopefully he will decide to swell his coffers and accept the share offer that seems to be on the table and we can bid him a fond farewell.
Posted by Matthew Reeves on October 24, 2006 10:50 AM

Perfect. Newcastle are my second team, as my partner's family (well, her mum) is a die-hard season-ticket holder and I've been so fortunate to attend St. James' on many occasions. You've got it just right.

I read an article after Shepherd scandalously sacked Bobby Robson. It started by saying something along the lines of:
Message boards are rife with people of dubious literacy, writing long messages with no punctuation with caps lock on.
If that was clear then, how is Shepherd still anywhere near the club? The man must go.
Posted by Nathan Hamer on October 24, 2006 10:47 AM

Why is it Henry that you can sum up so excellently the feelings of Newcastle supporters, while the local press hounds still spew the same stale Shepherd propaganda?

Well done, if only there were more like you.
Posted by Ivad Enuff on October 24, 2006 10:39 AM

Henry Winter has summed up the fans frustration perfectly. No wonder Henry is considered by many to be the best sports writer in this country bar none. The Toon Army has had enough - Shepherd out!
Posted by Dave Cook on October 24, 2006 10:35 AM

Shepherds downfall began when he failed to back Bobby Robson with players to allow Newcastle to build on Champions League qualification. Bowyer as the only signing was never going to be good enough. A financial gamble that failed miserably and one that we have never recovered from.
Posted by Mr Antisocial on October 24, 2006 10:35 AM

Absolutely brilliant, you have summed up the mood of the Toon Army, and coming from an impartial view it is refreshing to read(unlike some local North-East journalists who refuse to castigate Shepherd). The fans will let Shepherd know that they are not happy on Saturday. As a season ticket holder I am not going to the cup game tomorrow, as a protest but will be shouting "Shepherd OUT!" with gusto when we play Charlton.
Posted by Dan Pringle on October 24, 2006 10:34 AM

Excellent work Mr Winter. The Toon Army faithful welcome this kind of unbiased journalism, something of a rarity in Newcastle's local press.
Posted by T. A. Bramble on October 24, 2006 10:30 AM

Superbly sums up our feelings. Thank you Mr Winter.
Posted by A Andrews on October 24, 2006 10:28 AM

Mr Shepherd receives £500,000 per year for what can only be described as a very poor job!!!
Excellent article, which totally sums up the tyneside mood.
Shepherd out
Posted by Giles evans on October 24, 2006 10:28 AM

Henry

You may well find a statue of yourself on Northumberland Street if you can maintain this stance and continue to give a voice to what has become an apathetic majority.

Thanks for being so well informed.
Posted by jeff livingstone on October 24, 2006 10:26 AM

SHEPARD OUT! Its about time to sort this club out!
Posted by Elliott Beard on October 24, 2006 10:26 AM

Superb article. often it takes an outsider to sum up us Geordies objectively, and you've done just that. Thanks for taking the time to put a few points straight, rather than shying away like some other news orgs might do. (i'm looking at you David Craig and Alan Oliver)
Posted by John, Blaydon on October 24, 2006 10:24 AM

Superb article, time to go Freddie
Posted by Cal on October 24, 2006 10:20 AM

Well said Henry Winter.Alan Oliver, hang your head in shame.
Posted by Chris,South Shields on October 24, 2006 10:17 AM

Thank you for that Mr Winter, finally someone has come out and said what many of us have felt for a while.

Now if only a certain sycophantic local press sports reporter would have the courage to report what is really going on rather than act as unoffical spin doctor and mouth piece for the club and promote his own 'voice of the toon army local celebrity' on national TV.
Posted by Emma D on October 24, 2006 10:08 AM

Henry...Though you have not been my favourite journo over the years you are bang on out about Shepherd so you have gone up in my estimation. (I bet that pleases you, eh!)
Posted by Dick Emre on October 24, 2006 10:06 AM

Great article. Shepherd has to go before the damage is irrepairable!
Posted by Frank Dooley on October 24, 2006 9:59 AM

You have captured the thoughts of all of us. Our incredible loyalty has been abused by this chairman for far too long. Our limited (winning one domestic cup in over 50 years isn't too much to ask, is it?) aspirations have been crushed by both his attitude and ineptitude. From one of the best teams in Europe to relegation candidates in 10 years of his tenure says it all. It has been frustrating that, until now, the true depth of feeling on this matter has not been reported fully until now. Our local evening paper, for certain, should hang its head in shame

thanks, Henry
Posted by Michael C on October 24, 2006 9:56 AM

finally someone in the media has seen the light, well done henry
Posted by Ross on October 24, 2006 9:54 AM

Succint and accurate Mr Winter, I'm sure you have the vast majority of the fans backing with this piece.

The Esteemed self appointed Chairman is a provincial ananchronism. The entirely legal web of NUFC related companies, from merchandise warehousing through to catering supplies - pies and suchlike - number 10's of companies and the unbaised reveiwer could easily be led to believe that it a nepotistic vehicle for personal enrichment, rather than shareholder profit and company expansion. This is patently not the case obviously, despite the PLC falling foul of several audit sanctioned " best practice" guidelines. I hasten to add of course that there is no indication of anything actually wrong or illegal with this setup.

Further research into the strucure and decision making mechanisms present within this PLC should make interesting reading for the football fan, irrespective of alliegence.

I would heartily recommend the nufc- finances site which although using only information available in the public domain, does give a faint sniff of the idealogical bent of the PLC directors & their ambitions.
Posted by Snerky on October 24, 2006 9:53 AM

The quicker this parasite is removed from our
beloved club the better. Freddy should take the
money and run - he's simply not wanted anymore (I
don't know if he ever was).
Posted by Julio Geordio on October 24, 2006 9:53 AM

Finally, an article that reflects the true feeling amongst fans, rather than the propaganda that comes out of St James' Park (and a certain local newspaper).

Thanks Henry. Shepherd Out.
Posted by Will Woods on October 24, 2006 9:43 AM

Agree with every word.

Shepherd out.

Posted by Ned Flanders on October 24, 2006 9:43 AM

Couldn't agree more. But as an exile in London I am coming to the Sheff Utd game soon, and can't bring myself not to do so when I'm home - as you rightly say, the boycott will never happen... probably sadly.
Posted by David Cowley on October 24, 2006 9:42 AM

Im afraid NUFC require a complete overhaul and need to get quality into what is a very average squad.
Posted by david speight on October 24, 2006 9:34 AM

Bang on. A truly spectacular piece of journalism.
Well done. Thank you.
Posted by Darren Gladstone on October 24, 2006 9:31 AM

Never was a truer word spoken. Shepherd Out. Now!
Posted by Newcastle_Fan on October 24, 2006 9:29 AM

This sums up what all the geordie nation are
feeling, Freddy its time to go... do us all a favour!!

FREDDY OUT FREDDY OUT!!!
Posted by Daz W on October 24, 2006 9:25 AM

a great insight into the problems of our club, i am totally behind this, thankyou mr.Winter
Posted by BigTed on October 24, 2006 9:24 AM

This article is absolutely spot on the mark. More of the same please.

Shepherd's failures are well catalogued, and the Geordie faithful have had enough!

10 years of mismanagement, interfering, undermining managers, and trophy signings. Enough is enough. Protests are being planned, the vast majority of Geordies want Shepherd out!!
Posted by Amers Winters on October 24, 2006 9:21 AM

Finally, national journalists have realised what is REALLY going on up here, not just painting a rose tainted picture of Shepherds tenure in charge. SHEPHERD OUT!
Posted by Neil Robinson on October 24, 2006 9:20 AM

The end is nigh for Freddy. No tears will be shed on Tyneside. Shepherd OUT!!!!
Posted by Oliver Alan on October 24, 2006 9:20 AM

Henry, thanks for keeping this story in the national press. Shepherd has the discredited local press signing to his tune ("...look at the money he's provided" - yeah, OUR MONEY!!).
Shepherd OUT!!
John Grieve
Mag in Munich
Posted by John Grieve on October 24, 2006 9:20 AM

Thank you for writing an article the local press are afraid to do. everything you say is right apart from the lack of empty eats. Cup games will be boycotted by many.
Posted by Jimmy Hindmarsh on October 24, 2006 9:18 AM

Great article. This is what all Newcastle fans want (except NE5/Leazes Mag) - a recognition from the man at the top at Newcastle United that his time is up and that his days of pulling the wool over the eyes of the fans with trophy signings and waffling about Geordie power are over. Shepherd out.
Posted by Gemmill on October 24, 2006 9:17 AM

Mr Winter an excelent peice of writing catching the mood of the supporters perfectly.Freddie Shepherd must think we are stupid,its time for him to go enough is enough, his decision making is absolulty shocking, how this man has made money in business is beyond me.GO NOW.
Posted by I.Chisholm on October 24, 2006 9:15 AM

After 60 years supporting our club, with all it's associated disapointments; we have hit a new low of, all time proportions.Direction from the top has been disasterous and it is quite clear, that Freddie Shepherd is incapable of leading the club. Because of the rich picking, available with his title, he is reluctant to re sign but until he does, we are in serious trouble.. The only solution is to boycott the home matches; regardless of pre paid season ticket commitments. JUST DONT GO TO SJP, until the man departs; along with his companions.Initially he tried very hard to make a fist of things but it is very clear that the job is too much for him.
Posted by John Best on October 24, 2006 9:11 AM

Superb - you would think Henry was one of our own. Thank you
Posted by mark hardy on October 24, 2006 9:08 AM

Well done for having the intelligence and foresight to see the real reason behind NUFCs problems Henry.

Shepherd Out. NOW!!!
Posted by Paul Morrow on October 24, 2006 9:06 AM

Just too many bad decisions. This is no kneejerk reaction but has been welling up for years.

It is not his money, it is the clubs money, and while he is to be applauded for helping generate it, he and his managers have taken healthy saleries, squandered the rest, and overseen the club fall into a downward spiral.

United for Change. Shepherd Out.
Posted by Auld Gadgie on October 24, 2006 9:03 AM

Glad that someone in the national press has finally written about this - Shepherd is a disgrace.
Posted by Alex Lee on October 24, 2006 9:02 AM

As a long suffering Newcastle fan I want to add my praise for this excellent article. In his time in charge, Shepherd has transformed Newcastle United from genuine Premiership title contenders to relegation fodder. Sack him now before the damage he is doing to our club becomes irreversible.
Posted by Charlie Peebles on October 24, 2006 8:59 AM

spot on, great article. We want Freddie out!
Posted by Liam on October 24, 2006 8:52 AM

100% agreement with every word of this article

Posted by Jon Leader on October 24, 2006 8:41 AM

Thank you Mr Winter for highlighting the problem our local press continually ignore. Hopefully this marks the start of the backlash - Shepherd out
Posted by Mike Batey on October 24, 2006 8:36 AM

Roeder has been left in an awkward position to say the least. while releasing funds - and i emphasise releasing, he's not putting his hand in his own pocket - for a few of his beloved hollywood signings, he's left roeder with a small and unbalanced side with not enough quality throughout. once again mr shepherd you have stunted the growth of this club.
SHEPHERD OUT!!
Posted by andrew weir on October 24, 2006 8:25 AM

Excellent article Henry - you show the local journos up for the sycophants that they are. In his ten year tenure as chairman, Shepherd has reduced us from being the second best team in England, capable of beating Man U in a transfer battle for the best centre forward in the world, to mid table also rans, begging man U for their youth team prospects on loan. The man is a blight on our club and if he were the supporter he claims to be then he would have had the dignity to sell up and leave before now. Keep up the pressure - We want shepherd out!
Posted by Andy Rivers on October 24, 2006 8:20 AM

As a Newcastle United fan I agree with most of what this article says. However, up in Newcastle we get the feeling that the southern press are putting more pressure on Roeder than he deserves. £10m for the infuriatingly inconsistent Nigerian striker Martins??? what about £30m for the equally frustrating Chelsea frontman???? come on you southern softies - at least draw some parallels.
Posted by Graham Lishman on October 24, 2006 8:17 AM

Great read. Well done.
Posted by Ed Clinton on October 24, 2006 8:17 AM

Freddie your time is up, now do the decent thing and sell up and leave. Excellent article Mr. Winter puts our local press to shame.
Posted by FF on October 24, 2006 8:15 AM

Absolutely spot on Henry. Shepherd and his cronies have mocked us for too long - it's time for them to feel the backlash of the Toon army. Shepherd OUT!
Posted by Dave, Wallsend on October 24, 2006 8:15 AM

well said, you can have alan olivers job.
Shepherd OUT!!
Posted by Ryan on October 24, 2006 8:14 AM

You have been in charge for 10 years, and your main achievement has been to appoint a succession of managers (bar SBR) that have ruined the club - yet at the same time using the sychophantic local press - to tell us that they were the ones we wanted. Not only that we have gone from having the second best team to grace the PL, to one of the most clueless. It's not your money that you spend - it never was, and never is. Your treatment of SBR was/is nothing short of a disgrace. You slagged off the region, the fans, the women, playing staff, and dragged the name of The Club through the mire. You are no more qualified to be a Chairman of a football club as i am to be an astronaut. You said "you wouldn't believe the calibre of manager who is interested in joining this club"; "the next manager of this club will be the most important in it's history" - you gave us Glenn Roeder. GR did an excellent job at the end of last season - but where was your Plan B? if he hadn't, just WHO did you have lined up. You are a spectacular failure - if i had performed as badly as you have in my job i would EXPECT to be sacked, not asked to leave. Do the decent thing for once, and sell to someone who genuinely cares about what happens to this great club both on and off the field, and stop paying lip service to the fans by spouting your nonsense about being a geordie and wanting what is best - for yourself maybe. And while your there take Alan Oliver the 'journalist' with you - his sychophantic ramblings are a cause of great embarassment.
Posted by Rod Farrow on October 24, 2006 8:05 AM

Mr Winter I completely agree, however how many times have we heard the chants of "sack the board" or "freddy out" over the past 10 years? I wonder whether we, as Newcastle supporters, really do have what it takes to vote with our feet and boycott games. Unfortunatley, I don't think we do.
Posted by Peanut on October 24, 2006 7:59 AM

A southern journalist who is aware of the fans views.
Posted by D ELGY dep 79 FRANCE on October 24, 2006 7:59 AM

Some of this article is correct, Freddie Shepherd is totally useless as a chairman.

Newcastle's fans deserve better, but the media's constant bigging up of the Geordie's loyal support is boring and not exactly true.

"Following Newcastle is a birthright, a religion, a warm-up before the knees-up of a night out. On the Geordie check-list of must-do activities, watching the Toon ranks alongside breathing. Such loyalty merits better leadership. Shepherd Out".
If they are so loyal why did they average just over 16,000 in 1991? why have they had crowds of 27,000 30,000 31,000 and 34,000 this season, I would say there were plenty of empty seats there, even their last home game v Bolton they only got 48,000 so just how will it never happen.

see below....

"A die-hard Newcastle disciple of this observer's acquaintance is convinced the club will be transformed only when supporters show their dissatisfaction at serial mismanagement by voting with their feet. Empty seats. No queues in the megastores. Might focus a few minds in the board-room. It will never happen."

You clearly got that bit wrong then didn't you.
Posted by Sumpo on October 24, 2006 7:48 AM

What a cracking article - absolutely spot on!
Posted by JT - Leeds on October 24, 2006 7:26 AM

Finally, an outside, fair and balanced view of what many Newcastle United fans have known for the better part of a decade...we really could do with a Sir John Hall style revival in the boardroom.

Does anyone know a Geordie Abramovic?
Posted by Darren Churchill on October 24, 2006 7:26 AM

Thanks for writing what most newcastle fans are thinking. It is good to see someone with credibility like Henry Winter supporting the concerns and thoughts of the fans who have no support from our local media who act solely as mothpieces for Shepherd. Well done !!
Posted by Geoff Parkin on October 24, 2006 6:52 AM

Possibly one of the best assessments of our Chairman I have read in the mainstream media. It is gratifying that when the North East's own media is cowed by the club that one of the country's foremost football writers can speak with honesty and complete accuracy.

Shepherd Out!
Posted by Michael Martin, editor, true faith on October 24, 2006 6:32 AM

Brilliant article Henry. About time somebody finally raised the profile and understands. Maybe you can get H & J to discuss it on air next time?
thanks, Paul.
Posted by Paul on October 24, 2006 6:27 AM

"Shepherd is no benefactor in the mould of Middlesbrough's Steve Gibson, the benchmark for "a fit and proper person" to lead a football club"

never has a truer word been said,are you reading this Alan Oliver???
Posted by rotti on October 24, 2006 4:47 AM

I agree with this article entirely. Shepherd out.
Posted by David Adams on October 24, 2006 2:46 AM

Thank you for putting into words what I could not. Shepherd Out.
Posted by Paul M on October 24, 2006 2:41 AM

Henry Winter you have hit the nail on the head, Now lets bang the nail into Shepherds coffin

Shepherd Out.

Posted by Auckland_Mag on October 24, 2006 2:28 AM

spot on
Posted by Michael Bowers on October 24, 2006 2:18 AM

I agree, Shepherd out - he's ruining our club and he needs to go.
Posted by Gary, South Shields on October 24, 2006 1:32 AM

Henry... The above article, sums up the mood on Tyneside perfectly, its is nice to read the thoughts of an impartial outsider, Telling it like it IS..

Keep Up The Good Work...

Thanks Again..
Posted by Mike Dawson......( Supamac ) on October 24, 2006 1:18 AM

The simmering discontent of 10 years of ineptitude by Shepherd is about to explode into fury. Protests and boycotts are being planned, Shepherd is about to feel the contempt fans have for him.
Posted by Billy Woodgrove on October 24, 2006 12:43 AM

www.nufcmismanagement.info

Internal Navigation

Freddy Shepherd

Links:

Shepherd the bad guy in Geordie soap opera

Shepherd Out.

We've also added the comments that have been left after the article by Henry, we asked Henry if this level of interest was normal and Henry said "No. That amount of traffic is pretty unusual".

Well done to everybody who spent time commenting, it shows people care about this club.

Anyway, as promised, the comments left regarding the article.

Comments