Shearer sure to hit the ground running

Apr 4 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

ANYONE who wishes for a thinning of the ranks of North East teams in the Premier League should look away this afternoon, when Newcastle United will offer a reminder of the kind of drama and passion that they bring to English football’s top table.

Alan Shearer’s first steps on to the turf of St James’s Park this afternoon will be greeted with the kind of fervour that is the preserve of few clubs in the top flight.

The reception reserved for Shearer will be laced with positivity, belief and hope – three words that have been extinct during a long, hard winter in the North East.

And a trio of words that, when associated with Newcastle United, are like a red rag to the cynics who retreated to their bunkers to hurl a few more lazy brickbats this week.

One national newspaper correspondent mocked the supposedly ‘religious zeal’ with which United’s support had greeted the arrival of Shearer, while another derided the sentimentality of fans who apparently think “success is a birth right”.

It is a slur that ignores the steadfast support that United have counted on during these dark, dark days. Try telling the 49,972 who turned up despite diminishing hope for the Arsenal game a fortnight ago that it is their fault the club is in such a mess. The problem with trotting out those old cliches about ‘mob mentalities’ and ‘hearts ruling heads’ – perhaps justified in the welcome afforded to Kevin Keegan – is that it misses the point quite spectacularly.

This was not a move designed solely to energise the city or sell replica shirts – it was an appointment rooted in logic and common sense and designed to save United from the catastrophic effects of dropping into a Championship wasteland.

It may be a populist move, but Shearer’s appointment is no sop to emotion or history – however glorious his playing record was at St James’s Park.

Sure, the sight of Newcastle’s all-time record goalscorer strolling out of the tunnel at about ten to three this afternoon will galvanise the terraces and create a rush of adrenaline and momentum that can only aid United’s efforts against title-chasing Chelsea.

But Shearer would not have signed up to head the rescue mission if he was nothing more than a high-profile mascot, banging the drum from the sidelines. By appointing Iain Dowie as his number two and insisting Dennis Wise cleared his desk before he started work, Shearer illustrated the hard-nosed practicality that will become the benchmark of his short time in charge.

He has addressed the experience issue by bringing in a trusted lieutenant in Dowie, who has experienced more than enough highs and lows to mitigate Shearer’s rookie status.

Newcastle are also securing a man of rare potential – something noticed by the Football Association when they considered him for the England job before opting for the less risky Fabio Capello.

In other ways, too, it makes perfect sense to turn to Shearer.

It is not Chris Hughton’s fault, but United have been crying out for a change in leadership for weeks, long before the defeat to Arsenal.

As decent and honest as he is as a man, Hughton is a coach by trade and looked uncomfortable making big, risky calls from the sidelines.

It was something that Mike Ashley recognised, but was reticent to change because of the dearth of credible candidates willing to accept a temporary post.

Glancing through the list of possibles, Shearer stands out a mile – and that is purely down to his attributes.

Terry Venables’ name was floated by friends who have sway in the football media, but he had already turned down one opportunity to take over.

So who else was there? A quick glance at candidates was hardly inspiring. Paul Jewell, Bryan Robson, Glenn Hoddle (pictured below) – all have top-flight experience, but would take time to familiarise themselves with United’s squad after long sabbaticals.

Shearer has watched United regularly this season, he has worked with most of the squad in recent seasons – witnessing their strengths and weaknesses first hand as they strained every sinew alongside him in battle.

So, unlike anyone else that United could have appointed, he can hit the ground running.

The faith in Shearer is shared by those with first-hand experience of the club and the player.

Former United boss Kenny Dalglish may not have conquered many hearts during his time on Tyneside, but he is a shrewd football man and he sees Shearer’s appointment as a good one.

“There will be a feel-good factor about the place for the first time in a long time,” the Scot said.

“He’s someone everybody can relate to – fans because he is one of them, and players too because he was such a great footballer himself.

“All of them will have seen him play and will hold him in great esteem. He commands respect because of his own deeds out on the pitch.

“And what I do know is that he won’t be afraid to make decisions, however tough.

“He knows what he wants and he’ll already have a good idea about which players he feels can do well for him. He’ll have it in his head how he wants the team set up.”