'Fans did for Big Sam'

Last updated: 9th January 2008

Micky Quinn

Quinn: 'Newcastle is like a goldfish bowl'

He turned down Manchester United to go to Newcastle and they are eternally grateful for that - forget about all the goals - and now they want him as their number one. Alan Shearer would be as good as anyone and I can't really see beyond him.

Mick Quinn
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Former Newcastle striker Mick Quinn believes it was the Newcastle fans that forced Sam Allardyce out - and it will be those fans that get Alan Shearer the job.

Allardyce left the club "by mutual consent" after just 24 games in charge as reported first on Sky Sports News.

Quinn, who scored 63 goals in 126 games for the club, did think the former Bolton boss was starting to win the supporters over, but feels that owner Mike Ashley eventually bowed to public pressure.

"If anyone's been to Newcastle, it's like a goldfish bowl," he told Sky Sports News.

"I call it the People's Republic of Newcastle and if they're not happy, they will have their say - and Mike Ashley has been amongst them and has been listening to them.

"I did think that in the last two or three games he had won them over, because he had been getting a good reception. Look at the reception at Stoke - but I suppose that was more relief than anything that they didn't get beat!

"To be fair it's been building and building. It doesn't look they'll win anything this season, or like they've moved on from last season. Looking ahead it doesn't really give you anything for the future either.

"Sam will be disappointed, because he's a passionate guy, but I'm afraid the fans have won again. And they'll want one of their own now."

Favourite

Geordie legend Alan Shearer was immediately installed as the bookmakers' favourite to take over at St James Park.

Jose Mourinho, Steve McClaren and Martin Jol are among those also being linked with the vacant post, but Quinn is convinced that despite his lack of managerial experience, the former England and Newcastle number nine, will get the nod.

"Kevin Keegan went back to the club as manager and that worked out quite well and they'll want something similar for Alan Shearer," he said.

"He turned down Manchester United to go to Newcastle and they are eternally grateful for that - forget about all the goals - and now they want him as their number one.

"Alan Shearer would be as good as anyone and I can't really see beyond him. They've tried Graeme Souness, Kenny Dalglish, Ruud Gullit, they've tried the big names.

"They've gone for Bobby Robson and experience and it just hasn't worked out. They need a fresh face and maybe an old head to advise a younger man like Alan.

"But when I was up there, they were screaming for Shearer - and they'll be disappointed if they don't get him."