Owen - Al's the man for Magpies

Shearer: Backed by Owen

Even just in the few weeks that he took over everyone can see that there's something there and he'll be a success in management.

Owen on Shearer
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Michael Owen believes Alan Shearer is the man to lead Newcastle United back to the Premier League.

Fans' favourite Shearer finished last season in charge of first-team affairs, but was unable to prevent The Magpies being relegated to the Championship.

Shearer's long-term position remains unclear due to the ongoing takeover talks for the club. As things stand Newcastle are without a manager with Mike Ashley looking to sell the club.

Owen believes that regardless of how things transpire with the North East club that Shearer should be offered new terms as during his short reign last season he demonstrated he has what it takes to be a success.

"Hopefully Alan will obviously keep the job, take the job and it'll start coming back for them. I know him well. I like him as a friend as well," Owen told Sky Sports News.

Something there

"Even just in the few weeks that he took over everyone can see that there's something there and he'll be a success in management.

"He'll be great for Newcastle to have. He's got a real feeling and passion for the club and that's what they need at this time."

Owen believes there is still a lot of quality in Newcastle's squad and that if they can retain the bulk of their better players then promotion is an attainable target.

"It's obviously a very difficult situation that Newcastle are in at the minute and it's probably been brewing for quite a while unfortunately, but I'd like to think that whether the owner stays on or a new owner comes in then I'd like to think they'd keep a lot of the better players," he continued.

"There's no doubt that there's a lot of quality in the squad. Some good players, good people there and obviously the fans deserve to promoted straight back up. There's 55,000 or something every week supporting their team.

"It's a massive club and hopefully they can get back up."