Shearer revels in madness

19 April 2009 11:08
Alan Shearer admits he his enjoying life in Premier League management, despite the pressures placed upon him. The former Newcastle legend has returned to his old club in a coaching capacity in an effort to guide them to Premier League safety. He has been given eight games in which to preserve the Magpies' top-flight status and has taken one point from his first two fixtures - against Chelsea and Stoke. There is still a lot of work to be done, as Newcastle remain four points adrift of safety, but Shearer is relishing the challenges which lie ahead. "It's been manic, to be honest. It's been crazy, the amount of work I have had," he said. "But I really enjoy it and it won't stop between now and the end of the season. I don't think it will ever stop. I don't think it stops for any manager. "I've not played golf once since I've been back. It's been dark every night by the time I've been finished. "I know I'm under huge pressure, and though I'm really enjoying the job, it's still hard work. I'm definitely getting a buzz out of it. The hours are getting longer if anything, but I've no complaints with that. "I look forward to coming in first thing in the morning and seeing what challenges await. "I must admit I enjoyed my time out. I had three years out, and did a lot of travelling." As an ex-England captain Shearer knows all about pressure, but he admits the stresses of being a manager are completely different to those of a player. He explained:" There's no comparison. As a player, you go out as a team member, just try to enjoy it and win. But as a manager, there are a million things to do - and then a million more when you've done them. "It's never ending. "I'd never criticise managers because it's a very, very difficult job, wherever you are. Since I've been a manager the problems I'm facing have never been out of my thoughts for more than a few seconds." Next up for Shearer and Newcastle is a crunch clash with European-chasing Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday, a game which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1 from 1pm.

Source: SKY_Sports