After that match, supporters demanded change in the boardroom.

But Shepherd told BBC Five Live: “I’m a Geordie, same as them.

“I’m not going drop my head, I’m going to get in there and fight and I know the Geordies are going to get behind us.”

Shepherd respects the views of the fans but insists he is the person best equipped to guide the club through the current crisis.

He added: “Right now, it would seem I am the only one prepared to do this job and it’s one I will continue to do to the very best of my ability and with the best interest of the club at heart.

“These things happen in football and the fans are entitled to do that.”

Shepherd also has faith in under-pressure manager Glenn Roeder and the current squad and points out that injuries have badly affected the side.

He said: “I’ve got full confidence in the players and the manager. We’ll get out of this blip.

“We’ve had nine injuries, including Michael Owen, who was brought in to replace (Alan) Shearer, and Kieron Dyer with long-term injuries. It’s not an excuse, it’s a fact.

“But I’m not going to drop my head. I’m going to get in there and fight.”