If I was Freddie Shepherd and Sir John Hall was trying to make it look like I was responsible for sacking a manager who was respected throughout the game then I'd have made sure my side was known, wouldn't you ?
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Sir John stressed that as he was no longer on the Newcastle United board they were his personal views, and that he was fully behind Freddy Shepherd.
He says: "It was a very difficult decision to make. I would guess that the board thought this particular season Newcastle would finish fourth and get into the Champions League. But we had a poor start to the season.
"The problems in the dressing room seemed to continue through into the season and I can understand Freddy Shepherd, the chairman's decision.
"It was the right decision, to my mind, and I'm standing by him.