Shepherd wishes Bellamy all the best
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd tonight attempted to draw a line under the Craig Bellamy saga following the striker’s move to Blackburn.
Shepherd had presided over the controversial Welshman’s eventful stay on Tyneside after providing then manager Bobby Robson with the £6m (€8.8m) to buy him from Coventry in the summer of 2001.
Bellamy, 25, had a series of disagreements with Robson’s successor Graeme Souness, and the chairman admitted he is glad it is all over after the player tonight signed a four-year deal at Ewood Park.
“It has been a difficult time for everyone concerned, but Craig has now completed his move to Blackburn Rovers,” he said. “We wish him all the best at his new club.”
Shepherd had little choice but to back Souness after Bellamy’s infamous television outburst, during which he branded his manager a liar. Although Bellamy was inspirational on the pitch when fit, his departure was inevitable.
The former Norwich and Coventry frontman rejected a move to Birmingham in January after the two clubs had agreed a fee and only last week signalled his intention to return to St James’ Park and test the water.
However, he was left in no doubt that Souness’ threat never to play him again would be followed through.
Celtic, where he spent the second half of last season on loan, Everton and Aston Villa were all chasing his signature, but he opted instead to link up with former Wales boss Mark Hughes.
