Gullit tips Shearer for Toon

Former Newcastle boss voices opinion on Keegan successor

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 8th September 2008

Gullit Ruud

Gullit: Support for Shearer

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Ruud Gullit believes Alan Shearer would be the best choice as the next manager of Newcastle United.

The Magpies are on the look out for a new boss after Kevin Keegan sensationally resigned on Thursday, only eight months into his second tenure at St James' Park.

Gullit spent a turbulent year in charge of the Tyneside outfit between 1998 and 1999 where he infamously fell out with Newcastle legend Shearer and dropped the striker from his first XI, much to the annoyance of the club's supporters.

However, Gullit has now given his backing to Shearer - Newcastle's all-time record goalscorer - as the man to succeed Keegan and to bring to an end a run of eight managers in 16 years.

Time is right

"If he (Shearer) wants to move into management the time is right," Gullit told skysports.com.

"He could do the job, if he wants to. He is very popular with the supporters."

Since hanging up his boots in 2006, Shearer has admitted an interest in moving into management but it is understood he is not keen on taking over at Newcastle at present.

Disagreement

Keegan walked away following a disagreement over transfer policy with the club's hierarchy, and Gullit, speaking on behalf of Ford's FeelFootball.com website, recognises that whoever is next in the Newcastle hot-seat will need to work in tandem with technical director Dennis Wise.

"The manager of a club and the director of football have to work together," added Gullit.

"It would be unusual if the manager did not decide which players to buy.

"It is like the man in a store not deciding what he wants to sell and not receiving what he orders."

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