Tributes have poured in from Newcastle and football fans alike following the passing of former Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd.
Shepherd died at the age of 76 ‘peacefully in his home last night’ according to a statement released by his family.
The English businessman was in charge of Newcastle United for over a decade and a half, first taking control of the club in 1991 alongside Sir John Hall before selling his shares to current owner Mike Ashley in 2007.
Shepherd had previously been rumoured to be buying the club back in 2009 and had even lodged a £60 million to buy back his former club following their relegation, however no such deal materialised.
The former Magpies owner had suffered from poor health towards the end of his reign at the club, and has continued to do so since 2009 before his sad passing last night.
Fans and friends from all over the world have taken to Twitter to share their condolences for the loss of one the Newcastle’s greats.
RIP Freddy Shepherd. He was a hugely influential figure at #nufc: https://t.co/R6EZXiZ6xX
— The Chronicle (@ChronicleNUFC) September 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/Kris_Newcastle/status/912668910113165312
RIP Freddy Shepherd, chairman last time we played in the Champion’s League and brought some top players to the club
— Jack Ellis (@JackEllis94) September 26, 2017
Ex #nufc chairman Freddy Shepherd has died. One of the most influential people in #nufc recent history.
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) September 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/Al_Mac8/status/912658418523045888
https://twitter.com/BarryBlakely/status/912669320832077826
Former Newcastle United chairman has sadly passed away, R.I.P Freddy Shepherd.
-Barnsey
— All NUFC Fans (@All_NUFC_Fans) September 26, 2017
Thank you for bringing @alanshearer Home.
RIP Freddy Shepherd. #NUFC
— Jordan Riches (@Jordan_Riches) September 26, 2017
Lee Clark tribute to Freddy Shepherd: “He was a born and bred Geordie who wanted nothing but the best for Newcastle United.” #nufc pic.twitter.com/DhZNPmbvW7
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) September 26, 2017
Rest in peace big Freddy Shepherd x
— Jordan Breen (@NufcJordy) September 26, 2017
