Hall family publicly announced the sale of their shares to Ashley. On 24 July 2007, it was announced that Shepherd was stepping down with immediate effect, to be replaced by deputy chairman Chris Mort. Reported 2009 bid for Newcastle United Following Newcastle's relegation and the announcement by Mike Ashley that the club was up for sale, Shepherd was instantly linked with a possible buy-out. Shepherd had said, "never say never" on the issue of re-buying Newcastle, however on 30 June 2009 it was reported that Shepherd had launched a £60million bid to buy the club from Ashley. On 1 November 2010 reports circulated that Shepherd was planning on making an offer for the club and returning to Newcastle as owner three years after selling it. This was later denied by the club; however, Shepherd would not comment on the matter. Death Shepherd died in his sleep at his home in Jesmond on 25 September 2017. He was 75 years old. References External links Freddy Shepherd Talks To Bobby Moncur – Part I NUFC.com – First broadcast on Century FM, 25 January 2001 Newcastle United – Football Finances – Detail of Shepherd's Newcastle United shareholdings, 30 June 2009 The Independent, 19 March 1998 – Shepherd's apology to Newcastle women 1941 births 2017 deaths Newcastle United F.C. directors and chairmen People from Gilsland 20th-century English businesspeople