More 'Toon-Gate' Rubbish From News Of The World!

Last updated : 30 September 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Regular readers of this site will know most of the stories, how a certain section of reporters from the capital have one thing in mind ... to rubbish Newcastle United Football Club!

You never see the same negative stories (and stories they certainly are) about Manchester United, Arsenal or Liverpool.

The latest headline from the News Of The World,"Toongate 2", will certainly 'shift newspapers', but take it with a pinch of salt.

A security consultant has claimed he performed surveillance at Newcastle United.
 
The News of the World says Brian Tough was ordered to tap phones of unhappy managers and players and even take secret film of Alan Shearer that could be used against him if he tried to leave the club.

Tough revealed how he bugged Kevin Keegan's calls to his wife, Sunderland's chairman Bob Murray and the editor of a local newspaper.

Tough: "At times I felt really bad about it, especially when I spied on our own players and senior staff. The players and fans would have gone mad if they had found out what I was up to.

"I was told to get him (Shearer) on tape talking about his future. If I had him on video expressing his loyalty to the club, it could become useful to embarrass him in case he decided to leave.

"I still remember the video. Shearer was wearing blue jeans, a beige polo neck sweater and Timberland boots. He told Shepherd, 'I'm not going anywhere'."

Former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has a long history of trouble with the Sunday newspaper and said: "Tough did make me aware of what he had done but I did not condone it.

"I couldn't control what he did. He didn't work for me. I had nothing to do with bugging anybody."