Shearer warns Toon of long and hard season

Aug 9 2009 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

ALAN SHEARER last night warned that Newcastle face a "long and hard season" unless they appoint him or another new manager quickly.

Shearer was forced to look on as a BBC pundit last night, rather than from the United dugout as the Magpies started life in the Championship ay West Brom.

And while the Geordie legend maintained he DOES still want the Newcastle manager’s job, he painted a grim picture of the season ahead if the club’s ownership saga drags on into the Autumn.

Shearer said: "Newcastle’s squad was thin last season, and when you consider the players who have gone out, that tells a story.

"They need players quickly and it could be a long, hard season if that doesn’t happen.

"I’m still in limbo I wanted it sorted either way because of my love for the football club.

"I would dearly love the chance to finish what I started last season."