Former Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd dies aged 76...His family confirm his death

Former Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd passed away peacefully at home on Monday night, his family have announced.

A statement from the family read: 'Freddy Shepherd, former chairman of Newcastle United and chairman of Shepherd Offshore Group and Triple S Sports & Entertainment Group, sadly passed away peacefully at his home last night.

'At this difficult time the family have asked that their privacy be respected.'

The 76-year-old is held in the highest regard at St James' Park and was notably responsible for bringing Alan Shearer to the club in a world-record deal in 1996 as well as convincing Kevin Keegan to take charge of the then-second division club in 1992.

Tweeting of the news, the legendary striker wrote: 'So sad to hear my great friend and former @NUFC chairman Freddy Shepherd has passed away. I owe him a huge debt for bringing me home. RIP.'

Rob Lee, who played over 300 games for the Magpies between 1992-2002, was also quick to pay tribute to the former chairman, writing: 'So sad to hear my former NUFC chairman Freddie Shepherd has died #RIPchairman.

Along with Sir John Hall, Shepherd took control of Newcastle in the dawn of the Premier League era in 1991 and oversaw operations as chairman during a period in which they battled Manchester United for the title.

He left his role at the club in 2007 after selling his shares to Mike Ashley, who remains in charge, albeit controversially, to this day.

Malcolm Dix, Newcastle United’s vice life-president told the Chronicle: 'I’m so sorry to hear this news. We had our differences over the years of course, but Freddy was always a larger than life character, a fellow who put his heart and soul everything he did.

'At Newcastle United he did as much as he could in terms of strengthening the team.

'His heart was in the football club, you can’t deny that at all.'

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