Shearer Reaction: Shaka Hislop

Speaking to ESPN Sports, our former goalkeeper / legend mate of Brian Lara, Shaka Hislop spoke out today saying that the impetus behind the move for Big Al was prompted repeatedly by the senior players in the dressing room. The ex-T&T international said:

'It's a little bit risky given Alan's lack of managerial experience but I think it's the right decision. I've spoken to a number of senior players at Newcastle United and they felt that Alan Shearer was the right appointment and had been feeling so for quite some time.

He definitely has the makings of a good manager - he's a student of the game and a winner; he'll bring that a Newcastle team who have forgotten how to win and forgotten how to be resilient. In the long term I think it's a great appointment. Alan is all Newcastle United and I believe he will be the right man.

He's a winner through and through - you saw that as a player. He's a very focused man and will go into this job with his eyes wide open. I think he'll deliver.

When you find yourself in the position Newcastle do, you need a certain amount of authority. A new manager always brings about a reaction and that is what they need. I'm certain he goes in on his own terms, knowing the task ahead. He needs to re-establish a certain work ethic. Speaking to some of the players its one of the things that's got away from the club a bit - the players have not fully appreciated the responsibility when they pull on that black-and-white shirt.

I think he'll get a response and the results will come. If they can at least put out a decent performance against Chelsea it gives Alan something to build on. I think he'll stay on regardless of what happens at the end of the season. If Newcastle stay up he'll see his short time in charge as successful and will be under enormous pressure from fans to stay. If they go down he will feel disheartened by it and he'll want to do something about it.'

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