Harper - We needed discipline

06 May 2009 11:47
Steve Harper believes Newcastle can only improve as a result of Alan Shearer's tough approach to management.[LNB] Shearer has introduced stringent new regulations with increased fines for offenders and Joey Barton has been suspended until further notice following a breach of discipline.[LNB]Goalkeeper Harper is happy with the direction that Shearer is looking to take the club in, admitting there were problems that needed addressing.[LNB]"Players respond to discipline, it's needed," Harper told NUFC TV.[LNB]"At times in the past, it maybe wasn't what it should have been here.[LNB]"But he (Shearer) has tightened it up and players respond to it, and that can only be a good thing."[LNB]Shearer was appointed as boss at St James' Park last month and, despite failing to win any of his first five games in charge, Harper insists he has made a positive impact.[LNB]Still in touchThe Magpies have three matches left to secure their Premier League survival and Harper is still in confident mood.[LNB]"He has tightened things up and lifted the atmosphere around the place," said Harper.[LNB]"The fixture list hasn't been kind to us and we have been missing a few players, but he is definitely the right man to try to get us out of this situation.[LNB]"We were drifting along. We have lost three of the games and managed to get a couple of draws.[LNB]"But just remember what Alan Shearer does to this club - if anybody was going to get us to win these next two games and go into Villa full of confidence, then it would be the gaffer.[LNB]"We are still in touch. We have got two home games now and if we can get maximum points, we have got to fancy our chances."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports