Only A Take Over Will Bring Success To Toon!

Shepherd promised money to spend in the January transfer window, and how he "couldn't wait" for the window to open. Roeder said there was no money to spend - Freddy said there was.

Who do you believe? Who cares anymore? It's a mess, and it will always continue to be a mess so long as the bickering goes on.

We are a million miles away from winning the Premiership, and how this club has dropped under Shepherd's leadership. Under Hall and Keegan there was a belief about the place, but that is no more.

The big clubs get bigger and bigger, and we seem happy just plod on, thankful just to be in the Premiership.

Shepherd: "All of us had set our heart on winning the competition but maybe with all the injuries, that was asking too much.

"Mind you, we won't feel sorry for ourselves and must make sure Newcastle United come back better and stronger next year. The return of Michael Owen and Shola Ameobi will certainly help, that's like two new signings for starters.

"And, of course, the board do everything it can to back Glenn Roeder in the transfer market. We've already discussed transfer targets and hopefully they'll come off in the summer.

"It was always going to be a tough season - and that was before a ball was kicked in anger. Losing a legend like Alan Shearer left an almighty hole because he's been such a massive figure at Newcastle for 10 years. Then our record signing's ruled out for the season while playing for England at the World Cup. Of course, Alan's retirement was something we were prepared for, but to lose Michael Owen as well was a cruel blow.

"Of course, we're desperate for success but not too many clubs would have coped with the problems we've had."