Shayne Ward fans plan Cowell protest

Fans of X Factor winner Shayne Ward have organised a protest against Simon Cowell.

A group of loyal supporters have decided to gather in Castlefield, Manchester this weekend in order to raise awareness of their anger at the music mogul.

Ward, who is still signed to Cowell's Syco record label, recently announced that his third album has been delayed until February or March next year. His last offering Breathless was released in 2007.

In a written statement to the Manchester Evening News, the lobby group complained: "When likeable Manchester lad Shayne Ward beat off 75,000 and won The X Factor following 10.8m votes, he not only won a record contract worth £1m, he became a people's champion.

"It has been nearly two years since Shayne last released new material. We now feel compelled to speak out. Shayne's manager Louis Walsh has pointed the finger of blame at the record company Shayne is signed to - Syco Music, owned by Simon Cowell.

"Louis states that he does not believe that Shayne has had a 'fair crack of the whip'. We, the fans, do not feel that Shayne has either. We ask that Louis Walsh and Syco Music now work together to rectify this and quickly. We, the buying public, want a new album."

Superfan Julie Nelson-Littleproud, who is the woman behind the protest, confirmed that supporters from as far and wide as London and Scotland will be joining her outside Key 103 Radio Station in Castlefield on Saturday at 11am.

She added: "[Shayne is] just a normal person, really down-to-earth and so easy to talk to, not at all struck by stardom. He appreciates his fans and he always does the best for them."