Newcastle's lacklustre media response to "Toongate" was part of Shepherd and Hall's downfall, argues Matthew Roche

For all the wrong reasons, Toongate may prove to be something of a welcome watershed in relations between major clubs on the one hand and the press and public on the other. More interesting than why Murdoch’s machine targetted Newcastle was the ruthless way in which the operation was carried out. This was not Barnsley, Coventry or Leicester, but a powerful sporting empire. The message was clear: whoever you are, we can bring you down.

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Day five of the WSC advent calendar and we’re on to Shepherds. Freddie Shepherd, to be exact, who was featured in issue 135, May 1998. Ian Cusack told how Shepherd and Douglas Hall had brought shame upon their club and looked at what was next for Newcastle

Isn’t it great to read about a team from the North East, playing in black and white stripes, with the whole community behind them, who have reached Wembley and are blessed with a decent and honourable chairman? Best wishes to Tow Law, population 2,208, for their trip to the FA Vase Final. Now what about Newcastle United?

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Jon Wainright takes a look at the flashy Chester City chairman, who may soon have to abandon his Aston Martin.

Distinguishing features Generally described as a Manchester based property dealer, but that could mean anything. Mark, a portly, balding, bespectacled chap in his late thirties, drives an Aston Martin and likes to be seen at away games with glamourous female company. Whether these poor women prefer swanky restaurants to Belle Vue and the McCain Stadium, Scarborough on a cold Tuesday night is open to debate.

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Falkirk's future is in the balance, explains Paul Hutton

To put it mildly, the last 12 months have been interesting for Falkirk supporters. There was the Scottish Cup Final last May, the semi-finals this year, and we’ve been involved in the First Division promotion battle for most of this season. And, of course, the club went into liquidation on the March 19th.

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The Football Task Force pleas for change, reports Matthew Brown

It is easy to be cynical about the Football Task Force. Whatever it comes up with, we know this government of cosy partnerships is hardly going to shake the corporate hand one minute then beat it on the knuckles the next, just because it does nasty things to football fans and their clubs.

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