Shearer, who was in charge for the final eight games of that season, and new director of football Joe Kinnear, who had presided over the club for a little more than six months earlier in the campaign, have had a very public difference of opinion over who was responsible for the Magpies' demise.
However, Owen, who has also been criticised for his contribution to a survival fight which came up short, is adamant a combination of factors was to blame.
Michael Owen: "Certainly Alan Shearer was only in charge for a short period of time at the end.
"You certainly cannot blame him for us going down. It was a steady progression over a period of time more so than what Alan did.
"Everyone was really up for the fight when he came in. The enthusiasm was there and the crowd were up for it. Unfortunately, things just did not work the way we hoped."
Source: Newcastle United Mad
Source: FOOTYMAD
