Shepherd blasts Magpies’ performance

NEWCASTLE chairman Freddy Shepherd has fired off a broadside at Bobby Robson and his under-achieving millionaire players after a disastrous Christmas.

Shepherd, who has handed Robson in excess of £68million to conduct rebuilding work during his four years at St. James’ Park, was furious at the club’s holiday return of just two points from a possible nine.

United had recovered from a dreadful start to the campaign, which included their exit from the Champions League at the hands of Partizan Belgrade, to put themselves in a good position to challenge for fourth place.

Sunday’s home defeat by Blackburn after draws at Charlton and Leicester mean they have lost just two of the last 13 Premiership games, but they have slipped off the pace once again, which the chairman finds unacceptable.

“What has happened since the start of the season is just not on,” he said, in his most direct assessment yet of the situation.

“It is not acceptable to the directors and board of Newcastle United or to our supporters, and we are not going to put up with it.

“I am talking about everyone here, from the manager downwards. The management and players of this football club are given Rolls-Royce treatment, but we are not getting Rolls-Royce performances in return.”