Football Corner

Mike Ashley hasn't done many things right since taken over Newcastle United back in July of 2007, however his decision to bring Alan Shearer in as manager at St James' Park until the end of the season deserves a lot of praise.

Newcastle are in a relegation dog-fight right now. They currently sit 18th in the Premier League, two points adrift of Blackburn in 17th with several tricky ties to come for the North East club.

It's no secret that appointing a new manager has a very positive affect on a struggling team (most of the time anyway) so I think the appointment of Shearer is just what Newcastle need right now. A person who knows the club inside out, to come in and give the team a much needed lift.

In all probability, Newcastle will need to win four of their last eight games to be sure of survival and I feel they will just about manage that now that Shearer has arrived. The former Magpies number nine's first game in charge will be this Saturday's encounter with Chelsea (not an easy fixture by any stretch of the imagination).

Based on the assumption that Chelsea win that game, that leaves just seven games for Newcastle to get the 12 points they require. I can envisage home victories for them against the likes of Portsmouth, Fulham and Middlesbrough. So where will that other victory come from. Well, the trips to Stoke City and Tottenham seem likes the most likely candidates.

So in conclusion, well done Mike Ashley.

What are your thoughts on the matter? Good appointment or not? Comments below please.