Shearer decided on low-key entrance
Apr 6 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
NEWCASTLE United’s caretaker boss Alan Shearer said it was a conscious decision to make a low-key entrance for his first game in charge of his home town club.
After the hype of the preceding week, Shearer decided against a special introduction on the pitch in order to keep the focus on the team.
While there were plenty of chants dedicated to United’s caretaker boss, the much-anticipated atmosphere which was supposed to greet Shearer’s first game in control never really materialised. Indeed, Chelsea goal-scorer Frank Lampard said afterwards the Blues players had been surprised at how flat the mood was, given the attention which had been devoted to Shearer’s return.
The United manager said it had never been his intention to make any kind of personal appearance – and re-iterated his belief the focus must remain on the players for the remainder of the season.
He said: “I would never have gone on the pitch to be introduced. I want to take the whole thing away from that. I did not think it would be right for me to have done that.
“There has been enough said, written and sung about myself and now that has all gone and we can concentrate on what we’re here for.
“It was a disappointing day and I did not think it was right to do that.
“I can understand why people have chanted my name and want me here, but that means nothing to me – I want to be here to save this football club.”
That task has become a bit harder after a defeat to Chelsea that was coupled with points for other sides near the drop zone.
Despite the disappointment of his first game in charge, Shearer said that he had “enjoyed” his initial experience of management – even if he was still getting to grips with being a passive observer.
He added: “It is very different from being a player.
“I said a few words to the linesman, but funnily enough he never said anything back to me. I really enjoyed it, I really, really did, in spite of the result.
“At times I did not know where I was. Everything just takes over, you are looking at the game, different positions and how you can try and alter things.
“Now I cannot wait to get back in on Monday morning and the rest of the week, work with them and see where we go.”
