Source: Northern_Echo
Shearer’s respect for boss Sir Bobby
AS the Class-91 high-speed East Coast locomotive rested on platform three at Newcastle's Central Station, Alan Shearer stood proudly alongside Lady Elsie Robson before unveiling a specially commissioned cast-iron nameplate of the late, forever great, Sir Bobby Robson.[LNB] In his role as patron to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, Shearer joked about how his former Newcastle manager will be chuckling at the thought of him pulling me to and from London on the newly-named Sir Bobby Robson.[LNB] There has always been enormous respect between two of Newcastle United's biggest homegrown heroes, with the former captain's determination to help the foundation an indication of the respect which existed during their time together on Tyneside.[LNB] Shearer cherishes the five years he worked under him at St James' Park. And while he never played for him at international level, he would have loved such an opportunity.[LNB] As an ex-England captain, Shearer has been an interested observer in the international events of the past fortnight.[LNB] It is difficult to imagine Robson treating Rio Ferdinand in the same manner that Fabio Capello has.[LNB] One minute he was captain, albeit an injured one, then the next John Terry had been reinstated as skipper with vice-captain Steven Gerrard given a call by the Italian and not Ferdinand.[LNB] Nobody knows the full ins and outs, but as a former captain it certainly wasn't good,[LNB] he said. Players don't like reading stuff in the papers before it happens. It wasn't right.[LNB] Fabio has said that if he could do it again he would do it differently. I just think Fabio is that singled minded, he has been successful that way in the past, and that is his way. Nobody will change him, like it or lump it.[LNB] Last night's friendly with Ghana arrived on the back of a solid performance against Wales in which Frank Lampard and Darren Bent's goals kept England on track for a place at Euro 2012.[LNB] Ultimately, Shearer feels, it should be on results and performances Capello is judged on and that it is not too long ago the England manager was being praised for keeping his distance from the playing staff.[LNB] Shearer said: It's funny, when Fabio came in everyone said great, we've got this disciplinarian and that he will do things the way he wants to do them and not the way the players want it'.[LNB] Everyone was in favour, weren't they We know how things work and because of how things went in the World Cup, everyone is looking to pick up on one or two negative things.[LNB] Yes, it should have been done differently, but it's his way and nobody will ever change him no matter what people write, criticise or do whatever. That's his way.[LNB] It wasn't pleasant reading stuff every single day about the captaincy. What went right and what went wrong.[LNB] At the end of that it was pleasing to see them put in a good performance, albeit against a pretty poor Wales team.[LNB] While Shearer has been encouraged by displays of individuals most notably Jack Wilshere on the international front, he is also hoping to see improvement a bit closer to home at Newcastle.[LNB] With just four points separating the Magpies from the relegation zone after winning just one of their last nine Premier League games, a place in the top-flight is far from certain with eight games remaining.[LNB] It makes the visit of Wolves, occupants of the third and final relegation spot, a crucial fixture in the campaign.[LNB] Shearer, who will be in London working with the BBC for Match of the Day this Saturday, knows about the importance.[LNB] I am working in the studio but it is a huge, huge game for both Wolves and for Newcastle because of the current predicament, said Shearer.[LNB] Newcastle need a win and they have to get their season back on track or it could get sticky.[LNB] I'm backing them to get through, I think they have got enough and they will be better than three clubs down there, I'm pretty sure of that.[LNB] I don't think anyone was getting excited when they were in ninth or tenth. They will be concerned that they have not won for so long, but not overly concerned. I don't think they are in danger of going down. I think they will have enough, but Saturday is a huge game.[LNB] Alan Shearer was speaking at the naming of an East Coast locomotive in honour of Sir Bobby Robson. East Coast are also fundraising and raising awareness for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.[LNB]
