Some sad news this afternoon confirming that former Newcastle United Chairman Freddy Shepherd has died the age of 75, passing away peacefully in his home last night.
Freddy may have made some mistakes, but he was a Geordie through and through who loved his club and gave us some unforgettable memories along the way.
He was the man who made Alan Shearer’s £15m world-record move back to his boyhood club a reality and there likely to have been no prouder Geordie on that day in 1996 than Freddy, who watched Newcastle’s new number 9 being unveiled.
So sad to hear my great friend and former @NUFC chairman Freddy Shepherd has passed away. I owe him a huge debt for bringing me home. ??RIP
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) September 26, 2017
Shepherd also played a key role in the transformation of St James’ Park and put his hand in his pocket to deliver our current club record signing Michael Owen. The former England striker’s move to Tyneside didn’t end well, but you can’t knock Freddy’s ambition for pulling off such a deal.
Here’s some of the fitting tributes that have flooded in since the news of his passing earlier today:
So sad to hear my former NUFC chairman Freddie shepherd has Died # #RIPchairman
— Rob Lee (@7RobLee) September 26, 2017
Very sad to hear the news about Freddie Shepherd. He took @NUFC to mixing it with the big boys. Thoughts with his family #RIPChairman
— Stephen Harper (@steveharper37) September 26, 2017
RIP Freddy Shepherd, such an important part of Newcastle's best years. Thanks for bringing us King Kev, Big Al and for showing ambition
— Lynsey Hipgrave (@lynseyhipgrave1) September 26, 2017
Terrible news that Freddie Shepard has passed away, we had so many great memories at the toon @NUFC thoughts & prayers to all his family ?
— Shay Given (@No1shaygiven) September 26, 2017
Managing director Lee Charnley has paid tribute to former chairman Freddy Shepherd, who died yesterdayhttps://t.co/jCUAP4SPTu #NUFC pic.twitter.com/GB3Vp9xvbj
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 26, 2017
Ex #nufc chairman Freddy Shepherd has died. One of the most influential people in #nufc recent history.
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) September 26, 2017
Lee Clark tribute to Freddy Shepherd: “He was a born and bred Geordie who wanted nothing but the best for Newcastle United.” #nufc pic.twitter.com/DhZNPmbvW7
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) September 26, 2017
Could never knock his ambition …
Something the current owner should take note of.#ripfreddyshepherd
— Dan Johnstone (@dan2jo) September 26, 2017
We are sorry to hear former @NUFC chairman Freddy Shepherd died last night.
— SBRFoundation (@SBRFoundation) September 26, 2017
He may have got plenty things wrong at @NUFC – but let's not forget that he brought @alanshearer home. #RIPFreddyShepherd pic.twitter.com/8tNdZGUHNK
— GallowgateShots (@GallowgateShots) September 26, 2017
Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.
RIP Freddy. Thanks for all you’ve done for beloved football club.