HE ALLOWED US TO DREAM...
RIP Freddy Shepherd... The man who helped transform the Magpies
FROM the most humble of belongings on the banks of the Tyne, he rose to become one of the Britain’s most successful tycoons.
Today, the city he loved is in mourning for one of its sons after the death of Freddy Shepherd.
Tributes to the former chairman of Newcastle United have flooded in after the businessman’s family confirmed the 76-year-old sadly passed away, peacefully at home.
He grew up in the tough East End of Newcastle before making millions in haulage and becoming chairman of Newcastle United.
The self-made millionaire was chairman of Shepherd Offshore Group and Triple S Sports and Entertainment Group, up until his death.
He, along with his brother Bruce were given the Freedom of the City of Newcastle last year, a moment the east end lad described as one of the “proudest” of his life.
Leader of Newcastle City Council, Coun Nick Forbes, said: “Freddy was an extraordinarily successful self-made millionaire who never forgot his roots in the east end of the city. Along with his brother Bruce he worked tirelessly to create jobs on the North Bank of the Tyne, bringing industries and skills back to life.
“He was particularly committed to creating employment opportunities and apprenticeships for local people. He was awarded Freedom of the City last year for his services to the city, and he said at the time it was one of the proudest moments of his life.”
Coun Forbes said he was a “real Geordie at heart” and was “never shy to express an opinion”. He added: “Family was the most important thing in the world to him and my deepest sympathies are with his wife Lorelle and his children at this sad time.”
The son of a trucker he and with his brother Bruce, achieved huge success in the road haulage business before moving into the offshore industry.
Indeed his business success was so unrivalled he was described as “A titan of the Tyne,” by Nigel Mills, chairman of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum after his death.
Sir Leonard Fenwick, former chief executive of Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust, and chairman of the Freemen of Newcastle, described Freddy as a “true entrepreneur and driving force”.
He said: “He looked at the North East first and foremost in all that he did, from both a business and social perspective, and achieved so much for the region.”
Through his role as chairman of the Freemen, Sir Leonard helped Freddy and the club get the extra land to put the extension on the Leazes End of St James’ Park.
On Freddy’s greatest achievement, Sir Leonard said: “I think it’s both the renaissance of industry on the river during some shocking times, when work and industry was being lost, and the renaissance of Newcastle United Football Club against the odds. He was always very to the point and could be rather blunt, but he was extremely amicable.” Newcastle Central MP, Chi Onwurah, said Freddy’s name will live on in Newcastle for generations to come. She said: “I’m sad to learn of Freddy’s death and my thoughts are with his family. He made a huge contribution to Newcastle - both the football team and the economy of the region. Freddy was a massively significant figure in the region and his association with our football team will ensure his place in the folklore of the city.” Newcastle East MP, Nick Brown, added: “The East End of Newcastle has lost a champion. Freddy and the Shepherd family have stood by us through all the industrial changes in the post shipbuilding era. He was a good man and a good friend to Newcastle. On behalf of the community I represent, I extend heartfelt condolences to Lorelle and the Shepherd family.”
He looked at the North East first and foremost in all that he did, from both a business and social perspective