EX-ENGLAND captains Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney were among football's great and good at the funeral of former Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd today.

More than 500 people were at the service for the businessman, described as "Mr Charisma" by one of his three sons.

Mr Shepherd, a devoted family man who helped revive Newcastle United's fortunes in the 1990s, died suddenly aged 75.

Former Newcastle striker Shearer gave a eulogy, thanking Mr Shepherd for bringing him back to his home town team, allowing him to break the club's scoring record.

Also present were former United managers Sam Allardyce and Kenny Dalglish.

The Northern Echo:

SERVICE: The coffin of former Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd, is carried in to St George's Church in Jesmond. Picture: Scott Heppell/PA Wire

Fans' favourites including Peter Beardsley, Les Ferdinand, Shay Given, Tim Krul and Steve Harper were at the service.

TV entertainer Dec Donnelly and his wife Ali were also at St George's Parish Church in Newcastle's leafy suburb of Jesmond.

Rooney came to pay his respects as his agent Paul Stretford was in business with Mr Shepherd. The footballer attended with Alex Bruce, son of Steve Bruce - who also attended.

Rooney's wife Colleen was not at the funeral.

During Shepherd's time at Newcastle, the club twice finished as Premier League runners-up, reached two FA Cup finals and enjoyed two Champions League campaigns.

The Northern Echo:

Former Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd. Picture: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

He also oversaw the redevelopment of an ageing stadium, boosting its capacity from around 36,000 to more than 52,000.

Shearer, who was bought by the club for a record £15 million, told mourners: "I first met Freddy when he made it his mission to persuade me to come home to Newcastle United.

"It is well-documented that there was another, so-called big club after me but it was Freddy along with Kevin (Keegan), Sir John (Hall) and Douglas (Hall) who was instrumental in getting me home.

"I left 10 years later with him as my great friend, playing for my club, breaking the goal-scoring record, living my dream.

"I can thank Freddy for all of that."

He ended his eulogy by saying: "We miss you Mr Chairman, we miss you Freddy."

The Northern Echo:

Alan Shearer (centre) leaves after attending the funeral service of former Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd. Picture: Scott Heppell/PA Wire

Sir John, who was chairman before Mr Shepherd and who teamed up with him to take over the club when it was in trouble in the 1990s, paid warm tribute to his friend.

He said Newcastle became other fans' second team and their brand of entertaining football "lifted Tyneside".

He added: "This is what we need to do in the North East, we need to be winners."

Mr Shepherd was a major employer on Tyneside, having built up his offshore industry business with his brother Bruce, and was known for his shrewd mind, attention to detail and negotiating skills.

Local Labour MP Nick Brown told mourners Mr Shepherd created the Soccer Aid charity with Robbie Williams to help the world's poorest children, and it has raised £25 million since 2004.

The Northern Echo:

Former Toon favourite Les Ferdinand leaves the service. Picture: Scott Heppell/PA Wire

On a floral tribute, Mr Shepherd's son Kenneth said his father was his best friend, adding: "My rock, Mr Charisma, Big Fred you are - but more, you are dad."

After the service popular goalkeeper Harper smiled as he said: "He was the sort of person you could have a row with and then he would give you a cuddle at the end of it.

"He was black and white through and through, larger than life.

"The family message really came through too - not just what he did for the people, but it was the warmth he had for everyone he came across."

The Northern Echo:

The coffin of former Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd, is carried from St George's Church. Picture: Scott Heppell/PA Wire