City banker John Fender quit as Newcastle United's financial boss after a huge bust-up with Douglas Hall. The final straw for Mr Fender, chairman of the club's plc, was the introduction of a controversial clause in his new contract by United's biggest shareholder Mr Hall. It is understood Douglas Hall wants to take-over the high-profile position himself, leaving top stockbroker Mr Fender a board member. Ironically, London-based Mr Fender joined the board to represent Douglas Hall's company, Cameron Hall, following the infamous Toongate scandal in 1998. But it is believed only his loyalty to club chairman, Freddie Shepherd, prevented him from resigning months ago. Mr Fender said: "Such a conditional appointment would not be proper for an independent non-executive director to accept. I wish the manager and the team continued success. The loyal fans deserve no less." The Stock Exchange has been told Mr Shepherd will become plc chairman temporarily. Rumours have been rife that Mr Shepherd, either with or without major shareholder Douglas Hall, was looking to take the club back into private ownership. Newcastle vice chairman Mr Hall has been selling off Cameron Hall assets over the past year. Some fans today warned a return to Shepherd and Douglas Hall running the club would be a backward step. Frank Gilmour, chairman of the Newcastle United Independent Supporters' Association, said the Toongate scandal still rankled. He said: "I've never forgiven them as it showed what they really thought of the club and most fans share that resentment. How that man and Douglas Hall were allowed back into the club is beyond me." The duo caused outrage when they mocked fans, bragged about sex romps and insulted Geordie girls. The row forced them to quit the board but returned four months later. Bryan Samuels, secretary of the Newcastle United Supporters' Trust, said: "They are not the people to put more money into the club and I would be worried about where the money for Bobby Robson to spend on the team would come from." After the Toongate scandal Douglas Hall was rarely seen publicly at the club and there has been speculation he could be preparing to sever all ties with Newcastle. Struggling Cameron Hall were known to be £40 million in debt but in the last six months have off-loaded most of their assets. The company had a 22.6pc stake in United but that is down to just 4.2pc after the latest deal with around £15 million raised. And Mr Hall recently sold off 12 million Toon shares for £4 million to his father Sir John. Tynesider Shepherd has 18pc of the club after buying out the 9.9pc stake of sponsors NTL. | 
