It is three years since Newcastle turned to Alan Shearer in their moment of need. Mark Douglas looks behind the story of one of the most remarkable chapters in the club’s recent history

“We weren’t picking up points and we weren’t playing well. There was a lot of unrest in the team as well, which ultimately culminated in the team going down.

“It was a difficult job that he took on. To be honest, it wasn’t a great time for the club but I think there were some foundations laid down.

“Discipline definitely improved. That was lacking at the time but he came in and sorted that out. I think that was the foundation for us doing what we’ve continued to improve on.”

There lies the key to what Shearer was trying to do.

A recovery that, in the end, took Newcastle one chastening season in the Championship and a clearout of the waverers to achieve was attempted in eight weeks. It was ambitious and needed to be done, but there was simply not enough time for Shearer to make a success of it.

Credit to him for taking risks, though. At that point Hughton still thought of himself in public and in private as an assistant manager at best, and there was a lack of conviction in some of the decisions he made.

Fatally, Hughton did not see the raw, barnstorming promise of young colt Andy Carroll – who offered a compelling alternative to an apparently all-star strikeforce that was, in reality, more of a busted flush.

Shearer rolled the dice when it came to the Gateshead-born Academy graduate and helped to bequeath a rich, £35million legacy to the club.

Ahead of his return to St James’ Park, Carroll said as much.

“Okay, Shearer was only at Newcastle for a short time (as manager) but his presence, his aura, was special,” he said.

“It was always about Shearer. I loved the way he scored all kinds of goals.” Sunday will mark the three-year anniversary of Shearer’s appointment and the Newcastle board have learned much since then.

They are less instinctive and there is more resilience about their decision-making. The quiet appointment of chief scout Graham Carr in the first weeks of the following season kick-started a renaissance that continues to this day.

Shearer played an unheralded part in starting that process, but the work of Hughton and now Alan Pardew has been stunning. Newcastle can move into fifth on Sunday if they beat Liverpool; and their team will include three of those who played for Shearer in his first game in charge.

“We’ve moved past that now, we’re looking up,” said Ameobi. “We’ve got that stability that Chris bought us initially and the manager now has built on. We’re moving forward.”

As for Shearer, it remains to be seen whether he can become a sustained managerial success. But Paul Ferris, who was performance director during Shearer’s short reign, believes it will happen.

“I had a lot of faith in his ability to be a great manager and still do – that is why I actually took the job,” he said this week.

“I think he will (become a manager again) if the right opportunity comes along where he has the chance to be a success, which is the key. There are a lot of opportunities.”

SHEARER’S FIRST XI AND WHERE THEY ARE NOW

(Current Newcastle players in bold)

GOALKEEPER: Steve Harper

One of United’s greatest servants, he remains at St James’ Park.

RIGHT-BACK: Ryan Taylor

Reinvented himself this season. Now a key man under Alan Pardew.

CENTRE-BACK: Habib Beye.

One of the first to jump ship following relegation. Now at Doncaster Rovers.

CENTRE-BACK: Fabricio Coloccini

Stuck it out following the club’s demotion. Now skipper and one of the Premier League’s most accomplished centre-backs.

LEFT-BACK: Jose Enrique.

Left for Liverpool last summer. Returns for the first time on Sunday – with his new club trailing United by eight points.

RIGHT MIDFIELD: Jonas Gutierrez

One of the few Shearer could rely on. Remains at United, having signed a new contract earlier this season.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD: Nicky Butt

Endured after relegation and helped the club back into the top division. After a short stint in China he is now retired.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD: Kevin Nolan

Bounced back after relegation to enjoy two fine seasons. Now captain at West Ham.

LEFT MIDFIELD: Peter Lovenkrands

Still at Newcastle but looks set for a summer exit. Injury will rob him of his St James’ Park swan-song.

CENTRE-FORWARD: Michael Owen

Afforded an ear-splitting reception when he returned with new club Manchester United last season. Currently out injured

CENTRE-FORWARD: Obafemi Martins

Won the League Cup with Birmingham City. Now with Rubin Kazan in Russia.