Fat Fred demands Owen payback

As the man who paraded trophy signing after trophy signing for Newcastle, seeing the likes of Kluivert and Owen trotted out in front of thousands of fans, Freddie Shepherd has questioned the loyalty of Michael Owen, demanding that the England striker gives his paymasters at least another year. Speaking out, Fred said:

'There should be at least a thread of loyalty. Morally, he owes Newcastle another year. He has been injured a lot of the time since I signed him and he has barely played one in four games that he could have done had he been fit.

He should remember what the club did for him, especially after his World Cup injury in 2006 in Germany. We looked after him and ensured he had the best care for the next year. I personally went to (Fifa president) Sepp Blatter, and as a result we got the international insurance changed to cover not just £50,000 of a player's wages but £100,000.

Michael won't want to hear what I am saying but that's the way it is. They say there is no loyalty in football any more but this is an extreme case. He has been very well paid, handsomely paid, for four years and there should be some return for Newcastle.'

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.