Don’t believe a word of it. On the face of it, it seems a logical decision to bring back the striking legend to stir the Geordies – both on and off the pitch –but surely Shearer’s short-term appointment smacks of more Newcastle short-sightedness plucked right out of the ‘Kevin Keegan-quick-fix’ box.
If KK couldn’t do the job second-time around then how they think Shearer, with his complete lack of experience in a role like this, will do any better is beyond me.
The former No.9 is likely to engender a superb atmosphere in the dressing room and will ensure the downbeat fans have something tangible to cling on to in the remaining eight games of the season, that’s for sure. And, while it might work in the next few weeks and Shearer may save their bacon and keep them in the top flight, surely then it’s time for some long-awaited long-term thinking in the north east. How about appointing an experienced, continental coach? And getting hold of Gerard Houllier or Sven Goran Eriksson’s phone numbers might be a start.
From the outside looking in, this huge provincial club always appears to be led by the heart with its all-singing and dancing ‘Toon Army’ dictating the direction. Keegan’s return last year was going to be the catalyst for another rebirth, but it failed dismally. I can’t help but think Shearer’s return will eventually end in similar embarrassment.
Guest Blogger Aidan Perkins is a sports journalist who writes regularly for Betfair.