…Newcastle picked up the Intertoto Cup last night as Auxerre, Ethnikos Achnas, Grasshoppers Zurich, Hertha Berlin, Kayserispor, Marseille, NK Maribor, Odense, SV Ried and Twente Enschede all failed to make the last 32 of the Eufa Cup.

The search pretty much goes on - but this sleight of hand seems to to have deceived Freddy Shepherd, who, having promised to leave Newcastle once a trophy was secured, seems to be on his way out of the club if unconfirmed but forceful rumours are to be believed.