Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Bond vows to clear name after being shown door at Newcastle

John Nisbet
Tuesday 26 September 2006 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Kevin Bond rounded on Newcastle United and vowed to clear his name last night after accusing the club of sacking him without a full investigation into the bungs allegations.

Glenn Roeder's No 2 had his contract terminated yesterday as the fall-out from the Panorama investigation into corruption in football, broadcast last week, continued to reverberate. However, Bond, who has strenuously denied suggestions that he was ready to discuss receiving illegal payments, said his lawyers were ready to go to court to demand full transcripts from the BBC to prove his innocence.

Last night he expressed his dismay at the Newcastle United hierarchy: " I'm so disappointed with influential people at Newcastle. When I needed support, I've had none. they have taken no time for reflection, they've been judge and jury, and I've been the only person who has lost his job out of this shit. Presumably they don't believe me.

"I'll take action against them and the BBC. I had a two-year contract and now I have to fight hard.

"Freddy Shepherd has been the victim of a sting himself in the past, and told me he understood. Unfortunately it seems he didn't understand when it came to deciding my future."

In an earlier statement he said: "NUFC have made their decision solely on the basis of a few sentences carefully selected and edited by Panorama.

"I intend to pursue all legal avenues to vindicate my reputation and restore my career and livelihood."

Bond's departure was confirmed in a brief statement to the Stock Exchange from Newcastle. It read: "Newcastle have terminated Kevin Bond's contract. There is no further comment from the club."

The Magpies' move came as no surprise after days of speculation that Bond would be shown the door.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in