Shearer backed to lift Toon gloom

NEWCASTLE chairman Freddy Shepherd hopes captain Alan Shearer can lift the gloom hanging over St James’ Park by launching the club’s final bid for silverware this season with a record-breaking salvo.

All eyes have been on the Magpies supremo in recent days with the future of manager Graeme Souness, as it has been for much of his reign, once again under the spotlight after a disappointing festive campaign.

The Scot has been installed as favourite to become the next Premiership manager to lose his job, with Bolton’s Sam Allardyce the man most consistently linked with any vacancy.