Alan Shearer stands firm as NUFC management talks drag on

May 28 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

A similar condition was put on Joe Kinnear in the January transfer window and it hampered the club’s ability to strengthen effectively. Kevin Nolan, Ryan Taylor and Peter Løvenkrands all joined the club but Charles N’Zogbia and Shay Given were sold, ensuring United made a profit during the window.

Shearer will not accept similar constraints as he looks to strengthen his squad. The United boss has scouting reports on Swindon Town striker Simon Cox and Leeds forward Jermaine Beckford waiting for him if he decides to take on the job, although it was Kinnear and Dennis Wise who first showed interest in the League One pair – and Shearer may decide to look elsewhere.

Ashley’s continued future ownership is another issue that Shearer will look to have resolved. Ironically, United’s all-time leading goalscorer has been linked with a takeover in the past, although Harris’ declaration that he is still waiting to hear whether Ashley wants to sell appears to suggest that a quick sale is not on the agenda at the moment.

Meanwhile, Steven Taylor has repeated his call for Shearer to be given the job. The England under-21 skipper, who was confirmed as part of Stuart Pearce’s squad for the European Championships in Sweden yesterday, says he is the “only man” who can take the club back up.

“The club means so much to him. The fans love him and he was hurt like we were about relegation. The only one person who I think can take us back up is Alan,” he said.

REPUBLIC of Ireland assistant boss Marco Tardelli is hopeful of former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given being fit for the World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria next week.

Manchester City goalkeeper Given has been struggling with a hip injury and will miss Friday’s friendly against Nigeria.