Owen "owes" Newcastle claims Shepherd
Shepherd wants to see Owen in the black and white of Newcastle
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Sunday, 29, Jul 2007 12:08
Former Newcastle Freddy Shepherd claims striker Michael Owen should stay and play for the club after they stood by him through his injuries chairman.
Owen is entering his third season at St James' Park but has been limited to just 14 appearances since his £16 million move from Real Madrid.
A metatarsal injury curtailed his first season, while he missed all but the final few games of the Magpies' last campaign due to the cruciate ligament injury he sustained at the World Cup against Sweden.
Shepherd told BBC Five Live: "Michael Owen owes Newcastle a lot. I think he's played more times for England than Newcastle."
There is believed to be a release clause in Owen's contract that would allow him to leave if an offer of £9.5 million is made.
Shepherd said the period in which that clause could be activated will soon be up and that it was necessary in landing Owen's signature in the first place.
He said: "Without the clause I don't think we could have done the deal, but it is only valid until July 31st.
"After that, he would have to stay for another year, unless it was in the club's interest to let him go."
Shepherd denied rumours that he was displeased with the Hall family who sold their shares in the club to Mike Ashley while he was in hospital.
The former chairman said it was his decision to stand down from the club's board last week and backed Ashley to be a success at Newcastle.
He said: "My position as PLC chairman no longer existed and so there's no problem at all.
"You need to be more than a multi-millionaire to own a football club these days. It's a new era at the club and I'm sure Mike will take it forward."