Shearer returns

APRIL 5 – News of Alan Shearer’s return to Newcastle United was first thought to be an April Fools joke. Then, much to the delight of the entire Geordie nation, it was soon officially confirmed by the club.

Shearer’s appointment seems more like a gamble than anything else. Club owner Mike Ashley is basically playing his final joker card, his last throw of the dice, in a desperate game that could cost Newcastle United its future at the top flight of English football and take them down for the first time in 16 years.

There's no doubt that in theory it makes perfect sense to Ashley by employing the local hero to swoop in and rescue the club from the meltdown it is staring in the face. It is unthinkable for all Geordies that their beloved United could be relegated to the Championship and run the risk of facing the same misfortunes as another United – Leeds United.

It may also afford Ashley a second chance with those loyal fans who have not forgiven him for the circumstances under which another local hero left last year. Kevin Keegan quit as manager last September after being unable to work with interference from Director of Football Dennis Wise, who was employed shortly after Keegan began his second managerial reign at Newcastle in January 2008.

Ironically, Shearer’s appointment will bring a sense of déjà vu to Newcastle United supporters who will recall the timely arrival of Keegan back in February 1992, when the club was at the bottom of the then-Second Division (now League Championship). It wasn’t until the dying seconds of the last game of the season – defeating Leicester City 2-1 with an injury-time winner – that they avoided relegation to the then-Third Division.

Another coincidence that seems to bode well for the Toon faithful is the fact that, back in 1992, Keegan replaced a former Spurs legend Osvaldo Ardiles in the manager’s chair. Now, Shearer is taking over as caretaker-manager from Chris Hughton, another former Spurs hero.

The timing of this new appointment naturally throws up some relevant questions.

Why has Shearer taken the job now? What can he hope to achieve in the remaining eight games? And, crucially, why has it taken Ashley so long to act?

If it proves successful, this dramatic move could ultimately prove Ashley's salvation, let alone keeping up the value of the club which he might still want to sell. Imagine the boost to ticket sales next season if Newcastle remains in the English Premier League (EPL) and Shearer is handed the managerial reins on a fulltime basis.

And what about Shearer? Here is a man with no managerial experience whatsoever – unless you count standing alongside Glenn Roeder on the touchline with arms folded in the final weeks of the 2005-2006 season which marked the end of Shearer’s playing career.

At the time, he accepted the role of assistant to then-caretaker manager Roeder after the sacking of Graeme Souness in February 2006. But Shearer still played actively until an injury forced him to the sidelines in the last three matches of that season.

If Shearer fails to guide Newcastle to EPL safety this could be the end of his managerial career before it has even begun. He can always return to his seat on the BBC Match of the Day sofa as if nothing has happened.

However, should he succeed in hauling the Toon Army back from the brink, he could hold the edge over Ashley on all matters pertaining to the future of the club.

His presence alone will lift the entire region out of its slumber and command instant respect from the dressing room and everyone involved with the club.

So, if he helps the club maintain its Premiership status it will only compound his popularity with the Toon faithful and generate some interest among potential buyers of Newcastle United.

No matter how it turns out, however, Shearer will retain his place as a Newcastle legend as far as the supporters are concerned.

Mike Ashley won’t be as lucky. If the club does get relegated, he will be better of going into hiding and giving up his ownership of the club for a bargain basement price than facing the wrath of the club’s passionate supporters.