Owen Has Made No Threat To Leave - So Why The Uproar?
Last updated : 10 May 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
I'd argue Freddy Shepherd probably has an IQ barely in double figures, with a hog-horn of a mouth to remind us of it.
But, I ask you, has Michael Owen said one word disrespectful of Newcastle United, the city or the fans since he arrived ... unlike the Newcastle chairman of course!
So why do we ... and Michael Owen ... have to wake up to read Shepherd DEMANDING loyalty from a player who has not opened his mouth?
The injury-plagued England striker has played just 13 senior games for Newcastle since his 2005 transfer and Shepherd believes he owes the fans some loyalty. Yes, he does, but what suggests anything else? Has he shouted from the rooftops he wants to be away?
Shepherd (talking to the Daily Express): "These suggestions will not impress our fans after what has happened in the last couple of years.
"This report was a very thinly-disguised attempt to flog Owen from under our feet, sourced very close to the player or those who look after him. The information must have come from there, not from our club.
"I'm telling Michael he has two choices: he either comes out and tells our fans, who have taken him to their hearts, that he is happy here - or I tell him that not one of the big four clubs, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool are interested in him. Because that's the case.
"The loyalty this club has shown him over the last two years, when he had injury problems in his first season and had missed virtually all of this season, deserves something in return.
"He has had a really serious injury and no-one, least of all one of the biggest clubs, is likely to take a risk at this stage.
"He has to prove to everyone, himself and Newcastle United included, that he is fully recovered and not about to break down again."
Shepherd - do us ALL a favour - at least act as though you know what you're doing. Even though we know different.