NEWCASTLE UNITED’S history is littered with folk heroes.

Newcastle have opened talks with Tyneside businessman Barry Moat over a possible takeover at St James’ Park.

IRISH football fans who complain about the renaming of Lansdowne Road should perhaps be grateful that they don’t have to get behind a team called the Aviva Green Boys.

Australia manager Pim Verbeek has said that that the door is still open for Mark Viduka to return to the international set-up.

Portsmouth have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Antti Niemi with the 37-year-old coming out of retirement to join the Premier League club.

AUSTRALIA coach Pim Verbeek continues to test out his options ahead of next year’s World Cup after naming three newcomers and recalling Ante Covic and Patrick Kisnorbo to the squad for the friendly against the Republic of Ireland on August 12 at Thomond Park in Limerick.

NEWCASTLE’S players returned for pre-season training yesterday amid hopes that a breakthrough off the field could be just days away.

The continuing uncertainty off the pitch at Newcastle is having a knock-on effect on it as the players await developments.

Alan Shearer was today ready to open talks about launching his career as Newcastle manager in earnest.

MIDDLESBROUGH fans arrived at Upton Park dressed as an assortment of superheroes but they must have known none would be present on the pitch.

Aston Villa 1 Newcastle 0

Alan Shearer has been taking tips from his former Newcastle boss Bobby Robson as he attempts to drag the club back from the brink of disaster.

AFTER a season having their emotions heartlessly toyed with, did any Newcastle supporter seriously expect anything other than the agony being prolonged until the last possible moment?

Alan Shearer blasted referee Howard Webb after he disallowed a goal from Mark Viduka as Newcastle plunged back into the relegation zone.

Newcastle 0 Fulham 1

Mark Viduka has revealed he would love to remain at Newcastle, as long as Alan Shearer stays on as manager.

MARK VIDUKA is hoping Alan Shearer can launch a long career as Newcastle manager by sparing the club from relegation.

Newcastle boss Alan Shearer saluted his little and large strike-force after seeing them pave the way for a priceless victory over Middlesbrough.

Newcastle United 3 Middlesbrough 1

Newcastle 3 Middlesbrough 1

Newcastle 1 Middlesbrough 1

DARK DAYS: Defeat to Middlesbrough tonight could pursh Newcastle into the Championship abyss. The stakes are just as high for Boro manager Gareth Southgate.

IT has been anything but a predictable title race.

Alan Shearer has admitted he does not know how many points will keep Newcastle up after seeing two go begging in a goalless draw against Portsmouth.

NEWCASTLE manager Alan Shearer had no illusions about the seriousness of his team’s predicament after they drew 0-0 with Portsmouth at St James’ Park last night.

Newcastle 0 Portsmouth 0

Alan Shearer is hoping Mark Viduka’s return to fitness will help to re-ignite his goal-shy team.

Newcastle full-back Jose Enrique could return for Monday night's must-win Barclays Premier League clash with Portsmouth.

Tottenham 1 Newcastle 0

Newcastle boss Alan Shearer put his faith in homegrown youngster Andy Carroll for the Barclays Premier League clash against Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Newcastle manager Alan Shearer will make a series of late decisions on his injured players ahead of Sunday’s trip to Tottenham.

NEWCASTLE boss Alan Shearer is preparing for the return of one key striker after clearing the air with another as a desperate scrap for survival gathers pace.

Newcastle striker Mark Viduka could return to play a part in the club’s fight for Barclays Premier League survival at Tottenham on Sunday.

Newcastle boss Alan Shearer is hoping Obafemi Martins’ unpredictability could be a lethal weapon during the closing weeks of a difficult season.

Newcastle boss Alan Shearer could have defender Sebastien Bassong back at his disposal for tomorrow’s crucial trip to Stoke.

Newcastle boss Alan Shearer today threw open the gates at St James’ Park as he called for a united front in the battle for top-flight survival.

Newcastle boss Alan Shearer hopes to have three key players available for his first game in charge against Chelsea tomorrow.

Newcastle will welcome back Kevin Nolan from suspension for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League clash with Arsenal.

Newcastle skipper Michael Owen returns to the squad for the first time since January for tomorrow’s vital trip to Hull.

Chris Hughton is backing Newcastle skipper Michael Owen to fire the club to Barclays Premier League safety on his return from injury.

Newcastle caretaker manager Chris Hughton will welcome back Argentinian winger Jonas Gutierrez for Sunday’s game with Everton at St James’ Park.

Mark Viduka, Obafemi Martins and Alan Smith are poised to give Newcastle some welcome good news and could return for Sunday’s meeting with Everton at St James’ Park.

Joe Kinnear fully intends to be back in the Newcastle dug-out for their next game.

Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear has admitted there was nothing he could do to persuade Shay Given to stay at the club.