A team to win the Championship?

May 26 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

IF Alan Shearer has his way, there will be wholesale changes in personnel. Some will make it easy by leaving of their own accord – there is interest in Alan Smith, for example, while Kevin Nolan might not fancy a season in the Championship. Others will be put up for sale.

Shearer wants the spine of his team to be Steve Harper, Steven Taylor and Nicky Butt – rare examples of players who have acquitted themselves well this season. Young players Tamas Kadar, Kazenga Lualua and Nile Ranger should be given opportunities.

Doncaster midfielder Brian Stock can add invention and energy to midfield while the defence would be bolstered by Kyle Naughton, an excellent left-back from Sheffield United.

With Oba Martins, Michael Owen and Mark Viduka all set to exit, Shearer needs to radically overhaul his forward options. Simon Cox, of Swindon, is a prolific striker at lower league level who would love the chance to prove himself at Newcastle, while Jason Scotland is the next Kenwyne Jones – although he could be pricey.

United will desperately try to hold on to Habib Beye and Damien Duff and both have signalled their intention to stay. If Shearer’s budget can cope, they will both be in the XI.

(4-4-2)

Manager: Alan SHEARER

Steve HARPER (GK)

Habib BEYE (RB)

Steven TAYLOR (CB)

Tamas KADAR (CB)

Kyle NAUGHTON (LB)

Kazenga LUALUA (RM)

Nicky BUTT (CM)

Brian STOCK (CM)

Damien DUFF (LM)

Simon COX (ST)

Jason SCOTLAND (ST)