Source: SKY_Sports
Dowie - Al up for the challenge
Iain Dowie believes Alan Shearer has shown courage in opting to become Newcastle's manager for the remainder of the season.
Shearer has taken charge of his beloved Magpies side with Joe Kinnear, who was only originally a stop-gap himself, recovering from heart surgery.
The Magpies legend has just eight Premier League games in which to guide the club to top-flight safety despite no prior managerial experience.
Shearer is faced with a mammoth challenge of saving Newcastle, but Dowie, who is his number two, believes the former England captain is the right man for the challenge.
"Alan's never been shy of a challenge, and that does say something about him," explained Dowie.
"It would have been very easy for Alan, with the career he's had, to have stayed out of it until it was a better opportunity.
"I think he's shown good courage to come in at this time and put his reputation on the line. That's what he's about.
Special draw"I have always felt he would be a manager, and a very good one. This is a special draw for him and he can't resist that draw.
"In my opinion, it's one of the big six clubs and should be challenging in the top half of the Premier League.
"That's a pipe dream for the future, but there's no question this club is crying out for success.
"Both Alan and I are very passionate people. I'm a passionate coach, and Alan knows that. People will see that we care."
