Shearer calls on the fans' passion

Apr 27 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

Despite his plea to the supporters for their help, he and they will know it is ultimately up to the players to get themselves out of the trouble they have got themselves into.

It was on such tense, dramatic occasions that Shearer the player so often became the hero, but as a manager it is up to someone else to steal the show. “There is an opportunity for one of these players to grab a special piece of history in this game,” said Shearer, who still hasn’t won a game as manager.

“I can’t afford to look beyond this game, but there is a real opportunity for a group of players, or an individual, to make a real name for themselves so that in 10 or 15 years time someone may be talking about this situation. I don’t know whether its the biggest game since Newcastle stayed up under Kevin Keegan, but it will be the most important game these players have played for Newcastle without a doubt and, I suppose, from my point of view as well. I have asked the players to give me three wins, starting with Monday night.

“We know that one win and hopefully things will start to turn for us. Performances will improve, standard of play will improve, but it’s that first win which we are looking for. I believe we can get that and then we will get more.” And, despite the knocks they have taken this season, as well as the constant change in managers, Shearer has been impressed with the attitude of his first team squad as he prepares them for tonight’s thrilling battle. He added: “I said to them on Monday morning, the (Tottenham) result has gone, whatever rights or wrongs have happened. We will look at it, analyse it, but I want smiles.

“I want people happy this week. I want people with a buzz, I don’t want any morbid faces around the training ground. And to be fair there hasn’t been.

“It’s been hard, but there is no time for people to feel sorry for themselves. We know the situation, we know the stakes and now we have to produce.”