The Newcastle chairman has never been a popular figure with Newcastle fans, but this is bound to get him a lynching.

After brokering the deal for Michael Owen in 2005 (after which Owen spent 1 and a half seasons injured), Shepherd seems to have lost patience with the former Liverpool man.

Shepherd:

“I know that it was my choice to bring Owen to Newcastle but you have to look at the big picture.

Can Newcastle compete with the top four That’s the question I’m trying to answer. That’s what the Newcastle fans want to know.

I don’t think Owen is the answer. Between Ameobi and Martins we have the attacking power to match the top four, and that leaves us with a bit of rebuilding to do at the back.

I don’t think Owen is indispensible.”

On rumours of a Owen-Crouch swap with Liverpool

“Why not

That will probably net us 5-10m, which we can use to bring in quality defenders.

I want to look to the future, and the bigger picture.

Quite frankly, Owen’s wages do not justify keeping him here. He hasn’t performed for us, and we’ve lost faith in him.

That punk has got to go, and I’m ready to make the hard decision.

Glenn will have to agree wit hme, otherwise he will have to go as well.”

On Soccerlens.com:

“I think I’ll buy you, then sell you to Roman. You’ll make a good profit. What do you think”

Not too keen on it, Mr Shepherd. Good luck with Newcastle, and thanks for your time.

Disclaimer: April Fool!