Shepherd Hails Signing of Bowyer

By Matthew Jones
May 24 2003

"It's a 'great' one" says Freddy Shepherd, Newcastle United chairman after flying South to London to seal Bowyers signature and fight off Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and Charlton.

NEWCASTLE UNITED chairman Freddy Shepherd has hailed the signing of Lee Bowyer as a 'great' one for the club.

The former West Ham United midfielder agreed a four-year deal with The Magpies on Friday and will complete his move on July 1 - when he returns for his holiday.

Shepherd flew to London to try and secure his signature, and when he did, he was delighted.

"We think he will strengthen the squad and is a great signing," he said

"He is out of contract and it is just a matter of wage negotiations.

"He will do his talking on the field."

Shepherd was not aware of which other clubs were interested in Bowyer, but as far as we knew, Spurs, Charlton, Manchester United and Arsenal were all after him.

"I don't know, it was speculated, but we were told that there was," he said.

"It is great to have a great squad and a great midfield, but we need that strength for the Champions League.

"Bobby [Robson] thinks he is great and will settle in quickly.

"Bobby Robson would have another ten players if he could get them and he would have many more if he could."

Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson confirmed that several players would be leaving St James' Park over the summer.

"There is always natural wastage, every club has ins and outs," he said.

"Knowing Newcastle we are many things but never boring, so watch this space.

"We were fourth last, third this and so who knows what will happen."