Will Alan Shearer Make The Difference?

Local hero Alan Shearer returns to St James Park to become the club’s fourth manager this season. With Newcastle only managing one win this year, the Magpies have slipped into the relegation hotspot.

Shearer, whose contract is only temporary, has just eight matches in charge to save the Toon Army from Championship football next season.

Shearer has brought the expertise of Ian Dowie on board with him has his number two. The two played together at Southampton and have remained friends since.

The 38 year old has no previous managerial experience in football, which brings the question, if Mike Ashley is serious about staying up why recruit a rookie into the big time? Is it another publicity stunt maybe?

Shearer has remained a club favourite since hanging up his boots in 2006 at Tyne side and must know the task ahead is borderline impossible. Two points from safety and a first game against Chelsea on Saturday means Shearer has a lot of work to do in such little time.

Despite many critics hinting that the position could be permanent, Shearer insists that he will leave at the end of the season.

No one can expect miracles especially when the club have had an a dismal season, winning just six matches from the 30 League games played so far.

A defeat at home against the Blues could see Newcastle slip even lower in the League and leave the question open to just why did Ashley bring on board an inexperienced manager in a time of need?