Crisis Creates Invention

By Zain Alvi | 1st April 2009

Crisis Creates Invention | read this item

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57399534 Most people in the UK cannot fall asleep before watching the final airing of Sky News, as they just need their regular dose of football. Tuesday night, however, the entire UK watched as a major development came into effect. This development primarily concerned only one region – the Northeast – but it has the potential to eventually impact the entire nation.

“Shearer accepts Newcastle position” – such were the headlines in this morning’s newspapers, summarizing Sky News’ ground-breaking revelation from last night. As someone who really wants a club as well-supported as Newcastle United to play Premier League football next season, I obviously felt that it was time for a permanent manager to take charge and instill a sense of stability at such tough times for the Magpies.

The Northeast giants are staring relegation in the face as they are two points adrift of safety, with third-place Chelsea visiting the St. James’ Park this weekend. Therefore, it was great to see the Magpies finally take initiative by seeking a permanent manager over the International break.

The fact that they were finally working on unveiling the legendary Alan Shearer all this while, however, came as a complete surprise to most Premier League fans. We have all seen Shearer win the unconditional love and support of the Toon Army, with his show-stealing performances in the black and white shirt.

In fact, as my fellow Premiership Talk writer Brian Lofrumento recently discussed in one of his articles, the Magpies have failed to form even a shadow of their past success ever since the retirement of Shearer. They have since tried extremely hard to convince him to return in a managerial role, to turn around their lowly fortunes.

While he had continued to politely decline any offers from the St. James’ Park, it is clear that Shearer has seen enough, as Newcastle seems to be in a complete free-fall at this stage.

As far as I am concerned, crisis at the St. James’ Park might have just led to a tremendous invention, because I can guarantee that in the long-run, Shearer is the answer to all of Newcastle’s problems. He has been their savior before, and there is no reason to write the Magpies off with him at the helm of affairs.

Since Shearer’s retirement, Newcastle have been searching for a player who is ready to lead the dressing room by taking responsibility. From former goalkeeper Shay Given to star striker Michael Owen to veteran midfielder Nicky Butt, the Magpies have tried everyone and yet the search for this leader continues.

Since Shearer knows how to groom a player to lead the way he used to do in his days, he becomes the ideal candidate for the gaffer’s position. He already has some confident lads in the dressing room, such as Kevin Nolan and Steven Taylor, who refuse to even consider the thought of relegation. Given that Shearer is very capable of making the entire squad feel the same wave of optimism, we can definitely expect to see a rejuvenated Newcastle side that fights the opponent till the very end.

Now I realize that football is a strange game, with luck sometimes playing a major part. But, I have no doubts this Newcastle side has enough talent within their ranks to survive the relegation battle, once Shearer’s arrival instills a new sense of character at St. James’ Park. I am sure there are those who disagree with me, but once again, that’s football too!

Will Shearer be the exactly what Newcastle needs? Have your say in the forum or comment on this article below!

Zain Alvi says:

April 2, 2009 at 1:22 pm

I obviously will have to agree with Taylor on this one…while I acknowledge the example of Gareth Southgate as being a very valid one in this case, I feel Shearer is just meant to lead Newcastle. While you may argue that he has arrived perhaps a little sooner than he should have, anything would be an upgrade for Newcastle at the moment. And with Shearer taking over, even the fans would have more belief regarding their survival this season AND revival in the following seasons.

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Taylor Fisher says:

April 2, 2009 at 10:54 am

Although I see where you are coming from Andy, Shearer is in the best position right now. Although expectations are through the roof, he is managing a club where he is a legend and everybody loves him. I’d rather have that be my first job rather than working at a lower league club. Obviously it is going to be tough, but it’s not supposed to be easy. He will gain incredible experience, and I hope that Newcastle will be able to stay up with him leading them.

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Andy says:

April 1, 2009 at 11:29 pm

I’m worried, he was a good player yes, but he’s never been a manager before. Gareth Southgate was in the same position as Shearer is now and look how his first managerial job has turned out. I hope Shearer does well, he is indeed a legend, but i honestly don’t think he will…not yet anyway. For him, it is too early to become Newcastle manager, he should have taken a smaller job and learnt the ropes before he took such a big job, there will be just too much expectation on his inexperienced shoulders.

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Taylor Fisher says:

April 1, 2009 at 1:25 pm

Good choice…I’m sure he will do a fine job…hopefully they can avoid relegation now!

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