Shearer return delights Hall
Former Newcastle United chairman Sir John Hall believes Alan Shearer should be handed the managerial reins at St James' Park for the long term.
Reports suggest the former England captain will be placed in charge of the Magpies for the last eight games of the season.
"I'm delighted at the news, but it's not the circumstances I'd have wanted him to come back," said Hall."I'd have preferred him to come back as long-term manager because I've always felt he was the only man at this moment in time who could manage Newcastle.
"He's the most dedicated professional I've ever known in my time in the game. Desperate measures, desperate times. There's a gap opening up at the bottom of the table and he'll galvanise all the fans – let's hope he galvanises the players.
"It's got to happen on the park. If it doesn't happen on the park we'll go down.
"When we took Keegan back 20 years ago he always had the knowledge of the game and the players and he had that magic touch.
"I think Alan's got the same. He's been out of the game for a while but he knows the game.
"I think he'll be great. I'm absolutely delighted at the news – not at the circumstances, I don't think he should be judged on these eight games."
The 38-year-old will take over from Joe Kinnear, who is continuing his recovery from heart surgery, for the last eight games of the campaign.
Shearer would be owner Mike Ashley's fourth managerial appointment this season following Kevin Keegan, Kinnear and Chris Hughton, who is currently working as caretaker boss on Tyneside.
Shearer scored 206 goals in 404 appearances during a ten-year stay at St James' Park following his £15million switch from Blackburn Rovers.
He ended his playing career in 2006 since when he has often been linked with a managerial role at the club.
Following Keegan's shock exit last year, Shearer rejected an offer to join the club's coaching staff.
However, Shearer faces a massive task trying to save the Magpies from relegation to the Championship. They have a tough run-in and are currently in the bottom three.
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