Shepherd welcomes Euro draw

By Matthew Jones
August 30 2002

Freddy Shepherd has welcomed United's Champions League draw and admitted he can barely wait to watch his team in the group stages next month.

Freddy Shepherd has welcomed United's Champions League draw and admitted he can barely wait to watch his team in the group stages next month.

The Newcastle chairman was in Monaco with manager Sir Bobby Robson to witness the draw on Thursday and was delighted to see United grouped with Juventus, Feyenoord and Dynamo Kiev - the team they face first in an away leg on Wednesday 18 September.

Shepherd said: "I'm pleased with the way things have worked out. There isn't an easy game in the Champions League and you are at the mercy of the draw and lady luck.

"Looking at some of the other groups, we could have found ourselves in a far tougher situation.
"We faced Kiev the last time we played in this competition and made no mistake about it - all the teams in our group are of an extremely high standard.

"But in terms of logistics there are no difficult trips and we are looking forward to what should be three interesting fixtures abroad."