NEWCASTLE ARE IN TOON

“THERE'S a long way to go yet,” said Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd last night.
Shepherd, who has owned a house in Andratx since 1987, has said in the past that Real Mallorca are his second team, but there will be no love lost tomorrow in the fourth round second leg UEFA Cup clash at Son Moix. Newcastle won the first leg 4-1. “We're taking nothing for granted, it's only half time and if they (Mallorca) get a goal, then it's definitely game on,” Shepherd told the Bulletin. “It's going to be no walkover and there are no easy games at this level of the competition,” he added. But, like coach Sir Bobby Robson, the chairman is in confident mood. Newcastle are enjoying a good season. “We're fourth in the league, great result against Charlton that really was a six pointer, and we're in the last 16 in Europe. “We started the season a bit slowly, but, a bit like the horses, we've gained momentum and we're up there with the best of them. “There's still a lot to do but I'm very pleased with the side's performance this season,” he added.
The last real dealings he had with Real Mallorca were when he bought Marcelino from the club for £4 million. He did not quite work out for Newcastle “but at least I hope the deal helped Mallorca build their new stadium,” Shepherd joked last night.