Sacked coach Bond vows to clear name

KEVIN BOND yesterday promised to clear his name after accusing Newcastle of sacking him without carrying out a full investigation into bungs allegations.

Glenn Roeder’s number two had his contract terminated as the fall-out from last week’s Panorama probe into corruption in football continued to have repercussions.

However, Bond, who has strenuously denied suggestions he was ready to discuss receiving illegal payments, revealed that his lawyers are ready to go to court to demand full transcripts from the BBC to prove his innocence.

In a statement released through his solicitors, he explained: “I am extremely disappointed that Newcastle have chosen to terminate my contract without carrying out any proper investigation into the allegations made against me in the Panorama programme.

“My lawyers will shortly be going to court to compel the BBC to release full transcripts of the recordings.

“Rather than waiting for this and the outcome of any FA investigation, NUFC have made their decision solely on the basis of a few sentences carefully selected and edited by Panorama.

“I intend to pursue all legal avenues to vindicate my reputation and restore my career and livelihood.”

Bond’s comments came after his departure was confirmed in a brief statement to the Stock Exchange by Newcastle.

It read: “Newcastle have terminated Kevin Bond’s contract. There is no further comment from the club.”

The Magpies’ move came as no surprise after days of speculation that Bond would be shown the door.

He was left behind when the squad flew out to Estonia for the UEFA Cup clash with Levadia Tallinn earlier this month, and has been absent since.

Meanwhile Sam Allardyce has paid a defiant tribute to his Bolton players for their victory over Portsmouth after a week dominated by the Panorama allegations.

Allardyce and his son Craig were last week alleged by BBC’s Panorama investigation to have received illegal payments. Both deny any wrongdoing.

“This typifies us as a football club,” Allardyce said. “Everybody has pulled out the stops but my thanks must go to the players and their terrific efforts.

After the match, Allardyce was asked directly if he had “ever been offered a bung“. Allardyce told Sky’s Jeff Stelling he was “out of order”.