Shepherd glad Robert is gone from the flock

NEWCASTLE chairman Freddy Shepherd has delivered a withering verdict on French winger Laurent Robert following his attack on manager Graeme Souness.

The 30-year-old Frenchman launched a stinging broadside at the Scot after sealing his move to Portsmouth, claiming he will deservedly get the sack if he carries on where he left off at the end of last season.

Souness, who very publicly ditched the £10.5million former Frenchman as last season drew to a close, brushed off Robert's comments, saying only: "I would like to wish Laurent Robert all the best at Portsmouth."