Shepherd set to read riot act

Under-fire Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd was in defiant mood as he returned to work ready to sort out the mess at St James's Park.

Angry fans called for Shepherd's head both during and after Saturday's dismal 1-0 home defeat which left the Magpies in 19th place in the Barclays Premiership. However, the chairman vowed to redouble his efforts to steer the club in the right direction despite mounting speculation the Jersey-based Belgravia Group are ready to mount a takeover bid.

"Right now, it would seem I am the only one prepared to do this job and it's one I will continue to do to the very best of my ability and with the best interest of the club at heart," Shepherd told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.

Shepherd has missed the club's last four matches as he spent time out of the country for family reasons.

However, he returned to the country on Sunday to find himself thrust into the middle of yet another crisis.

The Belgravia Group confirmed earlier this year they had been in discussion with Newcastle's major shareholders but as yet no offer has been made.

Shepherd arrived home to read fresh reports linking him with new managers, but it is understood present incumbent Glenn Roeder's job is safe for the moment.

The chairman was due at the training ground this lunchtime ready to make his feelings known to the players, who have not won a league match since September 17th.

Shepherd said: "I think it's time the players are reminded just who they are playing for."