Shearer confirmed as Newcastle manager
Alan Shearer to be named Newcastle manager until end of season
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Wednesday, 01, Apr 2009 11:18
Alan Shearer has been confirmed as manager of Newcastle United until the end of the 2008/09 Premier League season.
The 38-year-old will take charge for the final eight games of the campaign in a bid to help the Magpies stave off relegation - especially since current interim boss Joe Kinnear is suffering from health issues after undergoing a triple heart bypass operation.
Speculation about Shearer's return to the club had been rife throughout Wednesday following reports of his sensational decision to move into the manager's dugout broke on Tuesday night.
Newcastle's managing director Derek Llambias confirmed the appointment following the announcement that executive director Dennis Wise would be leaving St James' Park.
Llambias believes Shearer's appointment will give the Magpies the necessary boost to ensure their Premier League survival.
He said: "Everyone at Newcastle United is absolutely delighted that Alan has taken on this challenge.
"Already there is a buzz around the club and the city. The news has given everyone a massive boost."
The Newcastle legend will take his first training session on Thursday morning in preparation for the visit of third-placed Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.
He will then be formally unveiled at a press conference at St James' Park in the afternoon.
The club also confirmed that Iain Dowie will assist Shearer, with current coaching team Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood continuing to work with the first team.
Shearer's deal at Newcastle is a short-term agreement, but it is rumoured that owner Mike Ashley may put a more long-term coaching role on the table for the former England striker, if he is successful in keeping the 18th-placed club in the top flight.