Freddy on his way?
Wednesday, 21st Nov 2007 13:25

The Freddy Shepherd to Leeds United link has emerged in today's Daily Telegraph sportspages.

We've all heard the one about Freddy Shepherd before, but today's Telegraph quotes that the larger-than-life ex Newcastle chairman is ready to return to football.

And Leeds United could be on his radar!

At the beginning of the season, Freddy and Ken Bates were spotted having lunch in Newcastle, fuelling rumours of a Shepherd investment or takeover - but it was passed off as old friends and football people enjoying a social occasion.

But now Freddy is ready, willing and most certainly able with a reported £37m burning a hole in his back pocket following the sale of his interest in the Toon to Mike Ashley. He may well be back in a Directors Box near you very soon.

In today's report, Freddy says: "Football 's a drug, and a powerful drug. From January I think something could happen.

"I'm a northern guy, so obviously I'm more interested in northern clubs."

I understand and will be corrected if I am wrong, that part of Bates' deal to buy back Leeds included a so-called "embarrassment" clause - which basically said that Bates could not sell Leeds on for a couple of seasons.

But obviously this would not rule out potential investors. Bates has been openly sceptical about the lack of interest in the club from the thriving business community in Leeds, although Leeds' current sponsors Red Kite are a locally based firm.

Granted, Freddy became something of a "joke" figure in his time at his beloved Newcastle, who can ever forget his indiscretion on YouTube where he made explicit reference to "carrying Michael Owen back to Liverpool" for the benefit of two scallies with a camera phone.

But if he has got money to invest and that is what we will need to sustain our ambition to return to the Premiership, then surely he will be more than welcome on board?