This week the Toon army finally got their wish, low and behold Toon legend and all time top scorer Alan Shearer finally decided to takecharge of the misfiring club. With the overall response being that of excitement and optimism despite the fact that Newcastle are still in the relegation zone.

One must really question the motives of Shearer accepting this post now, surely it would have made more sense for him to accept the post when first approached due to the fact that:

a) Newcastle were in a much healthier position than they are now

b) He would have had the January transfer window to if need be improve the team

c) Have more time to mould the players into playing how he would want them to

There is strong argument for a sceptic to argue that Shearer knows he is in a win,win position having accepted this job despite the club's position.

If Newcastle are to go down, the blame will be on either the board or Joe Kinnear or the players not giving their all and if they are to remain in the premier league Shearer will undoubtedly receive all the plaudits.

This is a perfect scenario for Shearer to remain a toon favourite even though it is a big gamble taken by Mike Ashley. Shearer still has not achieved his coaching badges and you would think Ashley would have learnt his lesson to not just rely on the fan's icon (e.g. Kevin Keegan).

Today's defeat to Chelsea has left Newcastle three points adrift, hopefully this should signal to the toon army that they will need more than a fan's favourite to help them in their position especially having a tough set of matches ahead.