Source: Eurosport
Dowie hails 'courageous' Shearer
Iain Dowie has praised Alan Shearer's bravery in launching his managerial career in the midst of a full-blown crisis at St James' Park.Shearer's decision to answer Newcastle owner Mike Ashley's SOS call for eight crucial games - and, he insists, no more - finally saw him make the step up almost three years after hanging up his boots.He could hardly have taken the plunge at a more challenging time but Dowie, the man he has appointed as his number two, admitted his former Southampton team-mate could not resist it."Alan's never been shy of a challenge, and that does say something about him," he said. "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."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."Shearer and Dowie will also hope the passion generated off the field at St James' Park will be an additional weapon in what looks on paper to be an unequal fight on Saturday.The former England captain will send out his team for the first time against Champions League quarter-finalists Chelsea with few beyond Tyneside expecting them to emerge with much to show for their efforts.But having experienced the backing a St James' Park crowd can produce as both a visiting player and manager, Dowie knows the difference they can make.He said: "I want the fans to bay for every decision, every throw-in and every corner - I absolutely want all that."If what they say is true about the Anfields and Old Traffords, it's certainly true for St James' Park."When Alan walks out, there will be an atmosphere you will be able to cut a knife through."We have got to use that and feed off it. We have got big players, and they have to feed off that atmosphere."We talked about being positive - it's not a shut-up-shop type of regime."It's what the fans deserve, and because sometimes a point isn't good enough. That's exactly the way we are going to attack it."[LNB]
