Gullit Knows Who Is 'Mr Newcastle'!

The former Dutch star said at the time "Alan Shearer is Mr Newcastle here, and that is very difficult for a manager. He is seen to be bigger than the club".

However, Gullit has now given his backing to Shearer as the man to succeed Keegan and to bring to an end a run of eight managers in 16 years.

Gullit: "If he (Shearer) wants to move into management the time is right.

"He could do the job, if he wants to. He is very popular with the supporters.

"The manager of a club and the director of football have to work together.

"It would be unusual if the manager did not decide which players to buy.

"It is like the man in a store not deciding what he wants to sell and not receiving what he orders."