Freddy Shepherd ready to finance Shearer deal

Apr 26 2009 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

FORMER Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is willing to help finance any attempt to keep Alan Shearer at St James’s Park next season.

Shepherd has been approached by several consortiums keen to buy all or part of United from current owner Mike Ashley.

As a Geordie still living and working on Tyneside, Shepherd is fearful for the Magpies’ future if they are relegated.

The long-time Newcastle supremo would be willing to re-invest some of the £37 million he banked from selling his stake in the club to Ashley if it would help prevent Shearer from leaving in the summer . . .

And United from sinking without trace in the Championship.

Shepherd told the Sunday Sun last night: “I am willing to do anything I can to help.”

I understand moves are afoot by at least one Geordie entrepreneur to bring together people with the financial clout to buy all or part of United from Ashley, and ensure Shearer stays on as manager next season – whichever division Newcastle are in.

Shepherd’s involvement would be essential if that group were to have any hope of taking the club forward in the long term.