Tribute to Wor Vic...
FORMER NUFC OWNER ON SKY SPORTS TV SUPREMO’S LEGACY
FORMER Toon tycoon Freddy Shepherd has paid tribute to the man who “revolutionised Sky Sports” and “invented the Entertainers” – the great, late Vic Wakeling.
Wakeling passed away aged 73 this week, but played a huge part in Newcastle United’s history by projecting them on to the big screen during the Premier League’s early years.
The Magpies quickly captured the imagination of the rest of the country as Kevin Keegan built an attacking team that didn’t know when they were beaten.
And while Wakeling left the limelight to the presenters and reporters as Sky Sports changed the way people watched football, his part in Newcastle’s history should never be forgotten after championing the team’s nickname “The Entertainers”.
Shepherd told the Chronicle: “We couldn’t possibly say enough about Vic. He used to look after us with Sky Sports with the amount of matches we’d get.
“He definitely favoured Newcastle United when it came to selecting who gets what. He was a great guy.
“Sky Sports would not be where it was today if it wasn’t for him.”
Newcastle fought their way out of a relegation dogfight in the old Second Division before sweeping aside many of the big clubs in 1994 to finish third.
Keegan’s team loved life in the Premier League and after the legendary former United boss stated “You have to give these fans what they want” Newcastle were suddenly big news on the national sports agenda.
Shepherd said: “Vic championed Newcastle and called us the Entertainers!
“When he first said it I wondered if it was a good thing or not.
“He convinced me that it was a great thing so we took it on and I mentioned it in every article I done.
“But it was Vic who started it. He was a great guy, a nice guy.
“He was a Geordie and we could never ever complain about what he did for Newcastle United.
“Vic promoted us and invented us if you like.
“It hadn’t have been for Vic, who would have done that for us?
“Even Barney Francis who took over from him now would admit to that.
“Vic was the father of the Sky Sports revolution.
“The name the Entertainers was built by Kevin and the name was well deserved at the end of the day.
“It really did catch on and everybody knew us the Entertainers and that’s all thanks to Vic.”
Meanwhile, he also warned Newcastle United they must trust Rafa Benitez and back him accordingly this summer.
Shepherd also hopes that Mike Ashley can help deliver a “marquee signing” as Newcastle prepare for life back in the Premier League.
It’s estimated that United could have up to £100m to spend this summer, and Shepherd reckons a major squad overhaul is required.
He said: “The bottom line is that it all comes down to money. How much money have you got?”
For the full interview with Freddy on Newcastle’s future turn to pages 82&83.