Scouse Duo Both Back Shearer For Toon Job!

Last updated : 31 December 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
Hansen believes the former England striker would give the club back their "self-respect" and argued the timing is right for Shearer to take on the job if it became available.

Hansen: "If Shearer was ever to manage Newcastle, there will never be a better time to do so because expectations have never been lower.

"When Graeme Souness succeeded Robson, success was measured by Newcastle re-qualifying for the Champions League.

"The difference between the task Alan Shearer might face and the ones (Kenny) Dalglish and Souness encountered is that now nobody would expect Newcastle to compete for a top-four place.

"If Alan pushed the club into sixth or seventh, that would be considered a real achievement compared to the mess they are surrounded by now.

"And, perhaps more critically than anything else, because of who he is and what he represents to Tyneside, Alan Shearer will be given time, which is something far too few Newcastle managers have had.

"Whether Alan wants the job is up to him and whether he is offered it is up to the board.

"But he is an intelligent football man who knows that managing Newcastle will not be about qualifying for the Champions League or winning FA Cups. It will be about giving Newcastle United some self-respect."

Lawrenson even backed Shearer for the England job!