Bullying in the Academy - Newcastle Wait,,

By Matthew Jones
June 1 2003

Bully reports from the Newcastle Academy - Newcastle United Wait for the results on an inquiry. Two teenagers hvae made statements, so all Peter Beardsley and Kenny Wharton can do now is wait.

In the next 48 hours, Newcastle United will be told the vertict of the inquiry into alleged bullying and verbal abuse at Newcastle's Academy.

Coaches Kenny Wharton and Peter Beardsley are at the centre of a row relating to their work with Newcastle's youngsters earlier this year, following complaints from several teenagers.

England youth internationals Ross Gardner and James Beaumont both made statements at the hearing, while the son of Terry McDermott, Neale, has quit the club and joined Fulham.

A Newcastle source told the Evening Chronicle, "It is ridiculous how long this inquiry has gone on.

"It has cast a cloud over St James's Park for some time and the sooner it is cleared up the better.

"The time it has taken for the Premier League to reach their conclusions has not helped anybody. It has been awkward for both the coaches and the players."

Newcastle chairman Freddie Shepherd and his board remain firmly behind both Wharton and Beardsley.

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