Fourteen years ago we made an approach to Newcastle for Gary Speed. please log in to view this image Link to pic: http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.607992383749230436&pid=15.1 âFULHAM have had an audacious bid for Gary Speed rejected by Newcastle United chairman Freddie Shepherd. The moneybags London outfit contacted Shepherd about the possibility of the Welsh international moving south, after he caught the eye of new manager Jean Tigana, but The Magpies issued a swift rejection. Speaking of The Cottagers’ approach, Shepherd said: "It must have been the shortest phone call on record. I never even asked how much Fulham were prepared to pay. Gary Speed is one of the last players we want to leave St James' Park. He has just had a great season - and why would he want to leave here?" Toon boss Bobby Robson also stated how important the 30-year-old midfielder is for his side's Premiership challenge next term. "Gary did a magnificent job for me last season and he is very important player to Newcastle United," the former England coach stated. "Fulham or anyone else will be wasting their time if they are looking to buy Gary Speed. He's not going anywhere," Robson added.â And it goes without saying - he stayed at Newcastle
