Shearer would deliver Premier League return, says Newcastle''s Duff
LONDON (Reuters) - Ireland midfielder Damien Duff is convinced Alan Shearer will carry on as Newcastle United manager next season to mastermind their campaign for an immediate return to the Premier League.
"There is only one man to get us back and that''s Alan Shearer, so I am sure it will be him. I am sure he will take the job," Duff told Reuters.
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has spoken to Shearer about replacing Joe Kinnear as full time manager, despite the ex-Magpies striker failing to ensure the club''s escape from relegation.
Whoever takes charge next season will be dealing with a much changed squad.
"There will obviously be a massive clear out," Duff said after Ireland''s friendly draw with Nigeria on Friday. "There are budgets in the Championship.
"I''m sure the gaffer (Shearer) knows who cares about the club and who wants to stay and who is going to work to get back out of the Championship."
For Duff, who has already pledged his future to the club, Newcastle''s relegation was the second of his career after he suffered the same fate with Blackburn Rovers in 1999.
"I''ve done two years in the Championship before with Blackburn and it didn''t really effect me," he said.
"From Newcastle''s point of view, (they will go) straight back up. They belong in the Premiership, so just one season in the Championship hopefully."