No Bellamy discussions set, says Shepherd
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd insists there has been no change in Craig Bellamy’s situation amid speculation he is to hold crisis talks with manager Grame Souness.
Shepherd said in a radio interview yesterday that the decision on whether the Welshman could ever play for the club again would lie with Souness, sparking suggestions that he could yet return to St James’ Park.
However, that has always been the situation and despite hints in recent weeks that he might have softened on the matter, he has always backed his manager’s stance fully and the Scot is adamant that Bellamy will never play for him again.
“I am not having a meeting with Graeme to discuss the situation with Craig Bellamy,” he told the club’s official website, www.nufc.co.uk.
“The situation has not changed, it is as simple as that.”
Bellamy spent the second half of last season on loan at Celtic, who did not take up their option to make the deal permanent by the deadline set, after branding his manager a liar on live television back in January.
Moves to Birmingham, Aston Villa and Manchester City have not interested the 25-year-old, who was today linked with Champions League qualifiers Everton, although the Magpies refused to comment on claims that he has been given permission to speak to them.
The intention is to sell him during the next few weeks, and although he is technically now a Newcastle player again, few at St James’ Park expect him to return for pre-season training next month.
