Source: SKY_Sports
Shearer stunned by events
Alan Shearer could not have envisaged managing Newcastle less than 15 months after watching them take on Stoke City in the FA Cup.[LNB] In early January 2007, Shearer worked as a pundit while former boss Sam Allardyce's side secured a less-than-convincing goalless draw against the Potters at the Britannia Stadium.[LNB]Just 15 months later, with Allardyce's brief tenure all but forgotten, Shearer leads his troops in a crucial relegation six-pointer against Tony Pulis' side, who have been impressive on home soil.[LNB]"No, I couldn't have imagined it if you had said it to me back then," he admitted when asked he expected he would be in the position he finds himself in now.[LNB]Not imagined"I couldn't have imagined the change, but I'm looking forward to watching the game from the dug-out this time, and hopefully we'll get the right result as well."[LNB]Shearer knows it will be a partisan atmosphere at the Britannia on Saturday, but feels that Newcastle's vast travelling support will be able to play their part.[LNB]"There is always a great atmosphere down at Stoke, but our fans can be a big help to the team on the day. I know just how great our away support can be," he added.[LNB]"Whenever I played, we always had thousands travelling to watch us, getting right behind us and making as much noise as they could.[LNB]"I've seen some great away supports for Newcastle down the years and we need them again on Saturday. I know they will give us all the help they can at Stoke."[LNB]
