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.