Mike Ashley is the most hated figure ever to set foot inside St James' Park.
I have never ever come across a man that creates so much venom every time his name is mentioned ... and he admits he will not be back at St James' Park once he hands over the keys.
A 'Playboy' who thought owning a football club would make him popular.
By God has THAT backfired!
Shepherd’s bid to buy out Ashley will be boosted by the news the Malaysian consortium linked with a Toon takeover are not now seen as serious contenders for the club.
Apparently the Malaysian holiday makers were pulling the piss when they got themselves a tour of the ground and free drinks down the Quayside ... on the strength they were going to offer £100m for the club.
Apparently something got lost in translation and they were looking for the Hancock Museum. "Where are the dinosaurs?" in Malaysian is very similar to "We want to buy Newcastle United".
Shepherd, who admits he is not part of any consortium, remains bullish about his bid’s chances of success, despite rival interest in Newcastle from abroad.
The prospect of the Malaysians, who flew to Tyneside and were shown – indiscreetly – around United’s state-of-the-art facilities on Thursday, making a firm offer for the club was last night heavily played down.
And one Malaysian tycoon – AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes – last night rubbished reports that he is interested in buying Newcastle.