Alan Shearer turns fan poll around in 24 hours

Apr 3 2009 Chris Robinson, Sam Wood & Rob Pattinson, The Journal

THREE days ago it was a vision of their dreams, but yesterday hundreds of impassioned United fans lined the streets to witness the return of a legend.

And the Alan Shearer effect is official. Today results from The Journal’s exclusive online survey show he has already won the battle for hearts and minds.

Those who had written the club off now dare to believe again. Young and old brought traffic to a halt outside St James’s Park yesterday in their eagerness to catch a glimpse of the returning hero. As he stepped back into black and white, supporters’ chants seemed to echo glory days almost forgotten at the club.

The fans, the media, even the summer-like weather all seemed to say the same thing – it’s good to have you back.

Yesterday our online survey showed 79% expected Newcastle to be relegated, today 68% believe the club will stay up.

More than 70% had said they would not renew their season tickets if the club went down. Today 66% say they would buy back their seats to watch the team in the Championship, if Shearer stays in charge.

A despondent majority of 72% had said they did not see United bouncing straight back if they are relegated. Today 70% say with Shearer in charge they would be confident of an immediate return to the Premier League.

They had been made to wait for days, but yesterday the world’s media were finally allowed access to the man himself. In front of a packed press conference Newcastle’s record goalscorer looked at ease, but in no doubt as to the task ahead of him.

Gosforth-born Shearer confirmed his love for the club was never in doubt and said he was confident he can save it from relegation in the eight matches he will take the helm of the team.