Shearer: We deserved to go down
Shearer could not save Newcastle in his eight games in charge
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Sunday, 24, May 2009 10:04
Newcastle United boss Alan Shearer admitted that his beloved Magpies deserved to be relegated from the Premier League because of their lack of consistency over the whole season.
Dogged by managerial changes and controversial actions by club owner Mike Ashley, Shearer took on the role with eight games left to play despite his lack of managerial experience.
But despite beating north-east rivals Middlesbrough at St James' Park, the former England and Magpies striker was unable to save the club from relegation and a place in the Championship for the first time in 16 years.
Newcastle lost 1-0 away at Aston Villa when a draw would have saved them because Hull City lost by the same scoreline at home to Manchester United.
Shearer said: "I can't say we were unlucky.
"We went down because we were not good enough over 38 games. I've got no complaints.
"We had a chance to save ourselves here because I always thought a win and probably even a point would keep us up."
Gareth Barry's first-half goal via a wicked deflection off Newcastle's Damien Duff sent the Toon down, but Shearer regretted his team's attacking display.
"We didn't create enough in the second-half after the first-half when we had a couple of good chances," he added.
"The goal was cruel and it's went in off Damien Duff through no fault of his own. But there were no excuses."
Villa boss Martin O'Neill said he hopes Shearer will continue as Newcastle manager, adding that the Premier League will be weaker without the Magpies.
"I think it would be great if he did stay on. I genuinely do. It would be great for Newcastle and the game. In time, he could be a really class manager," O'Neill said.