Bond vows to clear name after being shown door at Newcastle

Kevin Bond rounded on Newcastle United and vowed to clear his name last night after accusing the club of sacking him without a full investigation into the bungs allegations.

Glenn Roeder's No 2 had his contract terminated yesterday as the fall-out from the Panorama investigation into corruption in football, broadcast last week, continued to reverberate. However, Bond, who has strenuously denied suggestions that he was ready to discuss receiving illegal payments, said his lawyers were ready to go to court to demand full transcripts from the BBC to prove his innocence.

Last night he expressed his dismay at the Newcastle United hierarchy: " I'm so disappointed with influential people at Newcastle. When I needed support, I've had none. they have taken no time for reflection, they've been judge and jury, and I've been the only person who has lost his job out of this shit. Presumably they don't believe me.

"I'll take action against them and the BBC. I had a two-year contract and now I have to fight hard.

"Freddy Shepherd has been the victim of a sting himself in the past, and told me he understood. Unfortunately it seems he didn't understand when it came to deciding my future."

In an earlier statement he said: "NUFC have made their decision solely on the basis of a few sentences carefully selected and edited by Panorama.

"I intend to pursue all legal avenues to vindicate my reputation and restore my career and livelihood."

Bond's departure was confirmed in a brief statement to the Stock Exchange from Newcastle. It read: "Newcastle have terminated Kevin Bond's contract. There is no further comment from the club."

The Magpies' move came as no surprise after days of speculation that Bond would be shown the door.