Ameobi supports Roeder

Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi has given his support Glenn Roeder in the race to succeed Graeme Souness at St James’ Park, hailing the caretaker boss as “the man to take us forward”.

Roeder took his unbeaten run at the helm to six games with Saturday’s 3-1 Barclays Premiership victory over Bolton and has now picked up 13 of the 15 points he has contested.

The former West Ham boss insists he is not a candidate for the job on a permanent basis, but supporters and players have been impressed with the impact he has made.

“Glenn Roeder has been fantastic for me as a player,” said Ameobi, who scored his side’s third goal at the weekend. “He has instilled confidence in each and everyone of us.

“I think that’s showing through. He will back you all the way and we are all playing for him, and everyone has seen the results.”

Martin O’Neill remains chairman Freddy Shepherd’s number one target with Sam Allardyce, Mark Hughes, Ottmar Hitzfeld, Claudio Ranieri and Roberto Mancini among the others linked with the post.

Despite Roeder’s lack of a UEFA Pro Licence – a situation the Magpies believe can be resolved with little fuss should the need arise – there is growing support behind him.

“Apart from the football side, he really is a fantastic guy and he knows what he is talking about, and he is an excellent manager who is really doing his stuff,” Ameobi added.

“Who came blame him if he is thinking about wanting the job permanently? I hope he does decide to stay because he is the man to take us forward.”

The revival fashioned by Roeder, who made 219 appearances for the club in a five-and-a-half year spell at St James’ Park, has further strengthened Shepherd’s resolve not to make a snap decision.

Premier League rules allow Roeder and Alan Shearer, the man asked to assist him, to remain in charge for only 12 weeks.

Reserve team manager Tommy Craig has the necessary qualifications and could give the pair even further breathing space should they need time to gain the required badges.

Tougher fixtures are to follow – Newcastle face Manchester United and Liverpool next in the league before a FA Cup quarter-final trip to Chelsea – but with long-term absentees Michael Owen, Kieron Dyer, Stephen Carr and Titus Bramble approaching fitness for the run-in, there is cautious optimism on Tyneside.