I doubt the accuracy of this story which is on Midas Soccers's site but if it is anywhere near the truth, it is an interesting story. Could we blame Shepherd for not wanting more foreigners at the club following the influx recently. Will Shepherd back Robson with the funds needed to purchase the top quality English talent?

SHEPHERD AND ROBSON ON COLLISION COURSE

Newcastle United chairman Freddie Shepherd and manager Bobby Robson are on collision course for the second time in less than a month.

Only last month Shepherd refused to let Robson take the England job on a part-time basis, something the patriotic Robson was keen to do.

This time it could be a more damaging rift, as Shepherd has blocked Robson's bid to bring Argentinian defender Pablo Paz from Tenerife to Newcastle, with Robson desperate to land a top quality centre-half.

Paz, who had 10 days with Newcastle on trial, is a 5ft 8in defender who is known for his uncompromising tackling, and was seen by Robson as the ideal man to bring into the defence.

Although the money is there for Paz, who would cost less than B#2m, Shepherd has blocked the move because he believes that there are too many foreigners at the club.

It is known that Robson is, to coin a phrase, 'over the moon' with his South American contingent, whom he sees as totally professional and committed to the cause. Even when they do not make the team, they just knuckle down and work harder in training, without moaning, hoping to force Robson to pick them.

With Robson having limited funds to spend in the transfer market, the South American option is an attractive one, and if Shepherd wants Robson to buy in the vastly more expensive British market then he must provide the funds.

Robson is a very proud man and if he sees his judgement overruled too many times he could up sticks and walk out on Newcastle, something that Shepherd should bear in mind.

-- Anonymous, November 15, 2000

Answers

If there is some truth in this we have a bit of money to spend on new players then!

-- Anonymous, November 15, 2000

5' 8" centre half? Surely not! That's the size of Dyer or Gallacher.

Besides, not sure about a 1980s confectionery dispenser would be the ideal cover for defence...

Ah...that was PEZ...hmmmmm

-- Anonymous, November 15, 2000

It sounds pretty believable to me.

-- Anonymous, November 15, 2000

Ooooooh! PEZ. Not wanting to give me age away but I remember PEZ in the late sixties......always a favoutie, I remember sherbet dips too, when the liquorice was big and the sherbet bag was full to the top as well.

-- Anonymous, November 15, 2000