Football story by Gareth Bowman, Thu, 02 Feb 2006 21:28:00 GMT


LONDON - It was one defeat too many for Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd to stomach as Graeme Souness was finally given his marching orders after his team were soundly beaten 3-0 by Manchester City. This was the Magpies' fifth defeat in the last six Premiership games.

Glenn Roeder, who is a former West Ham manager, has been anointed as the caretaker at St James' Park and former England captain Alan Shearer will assist him. The announcement of Souness' dismissal was made via a statement posted on the club's web site, "Newcastle United announced that the employment of Graeme Souness has been terminated with immediate effect," it said.

"Glenn Roeder will take charge of first team affairs for the immediate future. Roeder will be assisted by captain Alan Shearer and will be caretaker manager for Saturday's home Premiership game against Portsmouth."

Souness' tenure was marked by the signing of Michael Owen from Real Madrid, but the dream soon turned into a nightmare when the England striker broke a bone in his foot and was out for months. Added injury troubles meant that Souness was never able to field a strong side and that led to many unwelcome defeats.

In a statement Souness said that he was sad to leave the club, "I am obviously saddened at the way things have worked out at St James' Park. I have enjoyed living and working in Newcastle and my family and I have been made to feel particularly welcome by the Geordies. I wish the club, the players and the supporters good fortune and success going forward."

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