Stars must earn ‘Hollywood’ wages

NEWCASTLE chairman Freddy Shepherd has warned his under-achieving players they must justify their “Hollywood” wages if the club is to finally achieve genuine success.

“I know all about the flak which has been flying about,” he said. “I know where it has been aimed and I am not about to run away.

“I come from a tough area of Newcastle in Byker and not many whingers live there. I am a fighter and I will fight on and get it right.

“I can understand fans gunning for the chairman and the manager because they always do, but what about the players?

“We pay them Hollywood money and for that they have a responsibility to go out and perform like a Rolls Royce. We have paid the huge transfer fees and the huge wages, given them one of the best stadia in the world, marvellous training facilities, and a terrific, loyal crowd.

“For that, they should produce the goods.”