Shearer starts Newcastle mission

Shearer arrives at Newcastle's Alan Shearer at Longbenton training ground

Watch Shearer's first news conference live on the BBC Sport website at 1430 BST

Alan Shearer arrived at Newcastle's training ground to take his first session with the team on Thursday as he began his reign as caretaker manager.

He was confirmed as the club's new boss on Wednesday and will hold a news conference at 1430 BST on Thursday.

Shearer has initially taken the job for the last eight games of the season in a bid to save Newcastle from relegation.

"It's a club I love and I don't want them to go down. I'll do everything I can to stop that," he told BBC Sport.

The Magpies are in the bottom three, two points adrift of safety. And Chelsea will be the first opposition for Shearer's Newcastle when the Londoners travel to St James' Park on Saturday.

"I feel deeply for this football club. I believe I can help it along with the players. There is a nucleus of good players that can get the club out of trouble," Shearer told BBC Radio 5 Live in his first interview since taking the job.

Fans' delight at Shearer appointment

"There are very, very good players that are just lacking in confidence and it's up to myself and the rest of the staff to get the best out of them."

Shearer said he was confident the fans would be on his side and added their backing would be vital.

"We are going to need every ounce of effort from the players and the supporters," he said.

"The supporters are well renowned and I know they won't let us down. They never do and I hope we can repay them with a performance."

He also insisted his appointment was only a short-term measure.

"This is for an eight-game spell, I'm looking no further than that, I can promise you that," he said.

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"Joe Kinnear is in the job at the moment. He is recovering well and we wish him well, but I am here for eight games only to try and keep the club in the Premier League."

Former QPR boss Iain Dowie will be his assistant and coaches Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood will stay on, but director Dennis Wise has left the club.

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