Alan Shearer says Newcastle United fans must forget the hysteria and let him concentrate on the task of securing the club's Premier League survival.
The former Magpies skipper was officially unveiled as the club’s new manager after he agreed to take the reigns while Joe Kinnear recovers from heart surgery.
The Toon Army reacted with euphoria when it emerged their hero had accepted the role.
But Shearer has moved to play down the fanfare and instead warned the club’s supporters of the massive task they face.
He told The Sun: "The response from the fans has been fantastic but it’s not surprising.
"I’d be daft to say I don’t understand it but we have to get away from this 'Alan Shearer' thing.
"It’s not about me, it’s about keeping Newcastle in the Premier League. We’ve got a job to do.
"I’ve not taken this job for me. I could have been sat on the sofa on Saturday analysing the game but this opportunity was right and I believe I can help them get out of the position they are in.
"The fans know me as well as anyone. They know they’ll get 100 percent 24 hours a day for the next eight weeks.
"I love this club and realise they’re in a bad position and I have been given the opportunity to do something about it.
"I realise there is quality in this squad but they’re not playing with much confidence and it’s my job to get that right."
The 38-year-old will pocket a whopping £1.8 million if he keeps Toon up — £100,000 per game plus £1 million for survival.
Shearer's first game with the 18th-placed Newcastle is against Chelsea at St James' Park on Saturday.
Newcastle fans react to Shearer's appointment
Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
The former Magpies skipper was officially unveiled as the club’s new manager after he agreed to take the reigns while Joe Kinnear recovers from heart surgery.
The Toon Army reacted with euphoria when it emerged their hero had accepted the role.
But Shearer has moved to play down the fanfare and instead warned the club’s supporters of the massive task they face.
He told The Sun: "The response from the fans has been fantastic but it’s not surprising.
"I’d be daft to say I don’t understand it but we have to get away from this 'Alan Shearer' thing.
"It’s not about me, it’s about keeping Newcastle in the Premier League. We’ve got a job to do.
"I’ve not taken this job for me. I could have been sat on the sofa on Saturday analysing the game but this opportunity was right and I believe I can help them get out of the position they are in.
"The fans know me as well as anyone. They know they’ll get 100 percent 24 hours a day for the next eight weeks.
"I love this club and realise they’re in a bad position and I have been given the opportunity to do something about it.
"I realise there is quality in this squad but they’re not playing with much confidence and it’s my job to get that right."
The 38-year-old will pocket a whopping £1.8 million if he keeps Toon up — £100,000 per game plus £1 million for survival.
Shearer's first game with the 18th-placed Newcastle is against Chelsea at St James' Park on Saturday.
Newcastle fans react to Shearer's appointment
Please subscribe to our RSS feed to receive more updates. You can also subscribe by Email and enjoy our latest posts sent directly to your inbox.
Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
