Newcastle United confirm Alan Shearer as new manager

Apr 2 2009 by Sam Wood, The Journal

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NEWCASTLE United are set to unveil new manager Alan Shearer at a press conference later today, after an astonishing 24 hours at the club.

The club confirmed last night that Shearer was the new boss, taking charge for the last eight games, as he attempts to pull the club from the relegation mire.

In yet another twist, the club will have its fourth man at the helm this season, as owner Mike Ashley has a last throw of the dice.

Reports first emerged late on Tuesday night that the 38-year-old club record goalscorer would fill the void created by Joe Kinnear’s absence, as he recovers from heart surgery.

Newcastle have slipped into the bottom three and are two points adrift of safety, having won just one match since caretaker boss Chris Hughton took over when Kinnear was forced to take a back seat.

The arrival of Shearer, who it is widely believed will bring in former Southampton team-mate and ex-QPR boss Iain Dowie as his assistant, has already seen Dennis Wise forced out of the club.

Wise’s role as executive director (football) was a controversial appointment when it was made by Ashley in January 2008 as part of an overhaul of the club’s management structure.

Wise was blamed by many for the departure of Kevin Keegan, just a month into this season.

As the news of Shearer’s return began to sink in for fans, many of whom thought the news was an elaborate April Fool’s joke, several gathered at the Magpies’ Longbenton training ground yesterday as they waited for a glimpse of their hero.

Many admitted to bunking off work as rumours spread that the man himself would appear. Those rumours proved false as the club’s latest Messiah failed to show, but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of the fans.

Chris Oliver, 34, from Washington, said: "I’ve been a season ticket holder for 29 years, I go to every game. Hopefully this move can completely revitalise the club.

"I drove up here this morning to try to see Shearer. It is brilliant that he’s back."

Another fan, who didn’t want to be named for fear of getting into trouble at work, said: "Shearer will be able to lead by example, he is a role model. I know he doesn’t have any experience but hopefully that won’t matter.

"He will raise standards generally at the club, players won’t get away with things any more."

Cousins James and Tommy Seales, from South Shields, were also at the Whitley Park training ground.