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."

However, Shepherd went significantly further after four years of having to deal with his outbursts.

"You should only say 'good' when somebody leaves," he said. "Laurent Robert has gone. Good."

Souness will have been expecting a backlash from the outspoken former Paris St Germain winger, and while he may be happy to keep his opinions to himself, his club was not prepared to accept Robert's latest outburst.

They were swift to announce his parting shot - he will officially become a Portsmouth player on Friday - has cost him the maximum fine of two weeks' wages.

"Newcastle United today fined Laurent Robert two weeks' wages for a breach of club discipline," the club announced on its official website, www.nufc.co.uk.

"It follows a newspaper article containing comments attributed to the Frenchman criticising Magpies manager Graeme Souness.

Souness and Robert were at loggerheads within weeks of the Scot's arrival at St James' Park with the former claiming repeatedly that the Frenchman did not work hard enough either in training or in games.

The club has taken a massive loss on the player, who has joined Pompey, initially on a season's loan which will then convert to a two-year permanent deal, for less than £2million.

The Magpies have since recruited midfield linchpin Scott Parker from Chelsea, but are also pursuing their interest in Inter Milan's left-sided player Emre Belozoglu.

Newcastle are preparing to formalise their interest in Fulham midfielder Luis Boa Morte, having tried to land the player during the January transfer window.