Shearer still confident Magpies can survive

Alan Shearer’s hopes of starting his eight-game spell in charge of Newcastle with a win were dashed by Chelsea, but despite the setback he remains confident his beloved club can avoid relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

The 38-year-old Tyneside hero was given a standing ovation on his return to St James’ Park, but that is where the goodwill ended as visiting Chelsea played the role of party-poopers to snatch a 2-0 win.