Shepherd on St James' Park, Squad, and Souness

By Matthew Jones
September 15 2004

Magpies' Chairman Freddy Shepherd claims: St James' Park is the best grounds in England, he has one of the top 8 jobs in the football world, and that he can see Graeme Souness lasting longer than Sir Bobby Robson did.

On St James' Park:

"Until Wembley is completed, there is no stadium in England which can outshine St James's Park," he explained. "We are also the best supported club in the country."

On the Squad:

"A great set of players. This is one of the eight top jobs in the football world."

On Graeme Souness:

"We can see Graeme going on even longer than Sir Bobby.

"He has got the whole package. This club needs somebody with stature to manage it.

"There's not just a local focus on Newcastle United. It's worldwide. Sir Bobby was the right man five years ago and we've had some great times. But it's time to move on."