Today is the day for Geordies to rejoice. The messiah mk II - Alan Shearer - is their white knight, striding into the club in their moment of need to rescue them from footballing oblivion.
But tomorrow is where the hard work starts. Shearer has just eight games to save the club, with a very imposing fixture list. They need wins, and quickly.
But where are the points going to come from? Here is my look at how Newcastle can stay up:
Must win games
Portsmouth (H) - 27 April
Middlesbrough (H) - 9 May
Fulham (H) - 16 May
Home form is critical to Premier League survival - even more so when you’re playing your relegation rivals. Newcastle simply cannot afford to lose to Pompey and Boro and with Fulham’s poor away form, they will hope to grab a win there too. Those nine points would take them a long way towards salvation.
Must not lose
Stoke (A) - 11 April
Tottenham (A) - 19 April
Two more tough trips to relegation contenders - a win would be seen as a bonus. But being the away side, avoiding defeat would be the priority. If they can come away from these fixtures with two points, Newcastle will be pleased with their efforts.
‘Bonus’ games
Chelsea (H) - 4 April
Liverpool (A) - 2 May
Aston Villa (A) - 24 May
Three tough games against sides at the top of the table. Any points gained from these will be seen as a bonus for Shearer but don't waste your football bet by backing the Magpies. The best chance probably comes this Saturday against Chelsea- with the euphoria of Shearer's appointment still rippling through Tyneside.
The crowd will be up for it, the players will be up for it, and we know the boss will be up for it. I reckon we could see a surprise at St James’ Park on Saturday.
The verdict?
It will be tough, very tough. But I think Shearer’s appointment is inspired as the club were almost certainly going down before his arrival. I think they will get enough points at home to stay up – just.
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