NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Another day, another surprise in the never-ending Toon circus

01 April 2009 12:49
There is nothing quite like the soap opera that is Newcastle United. They have been leaving football fans across the country open-mouthed for years and today is no exception. Even by their remarkable standards, the appointment of Alan Shearer as manager for the last eight games of the season is remarkable. But stand by for scenes of euphoria at St James' Park tomorrow and thousands decked in black and white to welcome back The Messiah Mark II. What has possessed the club's biggest and most popular legend to stepout of the comfort of the television studio to put his reputation onthe line? And why now? Privately, Shearer has said he was happy at Match of the Day, he could not envisage working with Mike Ashley or Dennis Wise, and that while football management, and Newcastle United in particular was on his agenda eventually, he was in no rush to do it. He will no doubt be paid handsomely, but money will not be the motivation for the next eight weeks. Saving Newcastle from relegation is the only thing that matters now. And perhaps Shearer is the only man to do it. If only he had stepped in to Joe Kinnear's shoes in January he might have persuaded his close friend and honorary Geordie Shay Given to stick around a bit longer. If he had taken over from Kevin Keegan in August, they might not be in this mess at all. But they are. Newcastle United have been in freefall since a Boxing Day drubbing at Wigan and what has not helped is the illness suffered by Kinnear, Given's departure, Michael Owen's latest injury setback, and general apathy in the dressing room. Shearer may be re-entering that dressing room for the first time as a manager but he is guaranteed to inspire those who have lost their wayin the last six months, and beyond. His first act will be to reinstate Owen to the side after Chris Hughton made the shock decision to leave him on the bench for the Arsenal defeat. With a fortnight's training behind, and with his old pal back in Toon, Shearer will believe his successor as captain will get the goals to keep Newcastle up. Will he stay if he succeeds? Who knows. Shearer and Ashley could re-build the team in to serious European contenders. But we said that when Keegan saved the club 12 months ago and look what happened to him. If Shearer fails and Newcastle are relegated his iconic status on Tyneside will be severely damaged. But at least he can say he gave it ago, and presumably reclaim his seat next to Gary Lineker.

Source: Daily_Mail