Magpies’ chairman shuts door on Bellamy’s return to Newcastle

NEWCASTLE chairman Freddy Shepherd has admitted that there is little prospect of Craig Bellamy playing for the club again.

Even months after the bust-up with manager Graeme Souness which resulted in the Welshman being sent out on loan to Celtic and with the Magpies facing a crisis in the striking department, Shepherd does not believe that there is a way back for the £6 million marksman.

“As far as Bellamy coming back to Newcastle is concerned, I think it would be very difficult for him to return after what has been said, and surely it is better if he gets a new start elsewhere,” he said. “But it is up to the manager to decide. That’s his job.”

Souness insisted that the 25-year-old, who could yet be asked to report for pre-season training on Tyneside on June 22 if he does not secure a move elsewhere, would never play for him again after branding him a liar in a television interview in January.

His tough stance won him as many supporters as it did critics, and while there is little doubt that the former Norwich and Coventry player has not been missed in certain respects, his pace and ability certainly have as Newcastle’s season has turned to dust. “Of course the Bellamy situation could have been handled differently,” said Shepherd. “All difficult situations, not only in football, but in life, could be. Hindsight is the greatest management tool available.

“I am sure in hindsight perhaps Craig Bellamy will think he could have handled the situation differently. And at a guess, I believe that Bellamy wishes he had not gone on television and called the manager a liar.

“Even in his own heart of hearts, he must realise he could not do what he did in the irresponsible manner in which he acted and get away with it.

“He explained the business about him feigning injury and that was all sorted out. But going on television was the killer, the straw that broke the camel’s back, and I’m sure to this day that Craig Bellamy regrets doing that.

Shepherd also confirmed yesterday that he would like to see Alan Shearer replace Souness as manager one day, although not in the near future, and has since spoken candidly on several topics.

Asked if he would welcome an approach from a Roman Abramovich figure who wanted to plough hundreds of millions of pounds into the club, he said: “If there is a Geordie Roman Abramovich out there, I would say to him today ‘phone me or knock on the door. I am here.’

“But tell me just where is there a Geordie Abramovich with £300 million? If there is, then fine because this is a public company.