Not the Mayor of Toon Town anymore?

Newcastle assistant manager has said today, he expects Shearer to step down at the end of the season.  Shearer was quoted as saying that this was an “eight week job”.  The results of his first seven weeks were LDLDLWL, a record of 1-4-2.  Now heading into the last week on the brink of relegation, the question must be raised, was it all worth it?

Shearer, a legendary Newcastle player, was constantly tipped to be the eventual manager of the club that he brought so much success to, but was now the right time?  Was this the right time to sacrifice a potential, long-term, successful managerial appointment in the future, for the present survival battle?  I say yes, you heard me right, yes indeed.

Shearer’s current run as manager (1-4-2) is not a reflection of him as a manager, but rather the poor form of the team.  He has had a constant injuries crisis (Owen, Martins, Viduka, all strikers) to deal with, and not the most favorable schedule (Tottenham (A), Liverpool (A), Chelsea (H)).  There were match that needed to be won of course (Fulham (H) was the big one), but he has still put them in position to survive, which is what he was brought in to do.  This is where the manager proves his worth, and I believe that Shearer will prove his worth.  Newcastle, if you survive, you may also have saved your manager.