Alan Shearer – What Newcastle United need to try and get back into Premier League top four next season | OneFootball

Some interesting stuff from Alan Shearer.

The NUFC legend talking about the club he has supported all his life.

Alan Shearer pointing to the things that have affected Newcastle United this season, especially with injuries.

The former number nine naming the two players who have been most missed this season…

Also, Alan Shearer detailing what he believes is needed for Newcastle United to be challenging for the top four again next season.

Alan Shearer doing a question and answer session online for The Athletic on Wednesday (27 March 2024) and a couple of interesting Newcastle United themed questions popping up.

‘Hi Alan thanks for being the best number 9 I ever seen growing up as a kid supporting Newcastle United. Where do you think NUFC can finish this season and who do you think is the next NUFC number 9 after Wilson? Thanks Neil M’

“Thank you Neil, you obviously know your stuff!

“I honestly don’t know in terms of where Newcastle might finish. They’ve just been so unpredictable. Obviously I’m hoping for the very best, they’ve got some decent fixtures that they shouldn’t be scared of. In fact, they should relish them.

“The injury situation means they have not been able to have a settled team and that’s why they’ve shipped far too many goals and been so unpredictable. Defensively they have been rotten at times, whereas last season they were mean and nasty and horrible. That’s the difference.

“Nick Pope and Joelinton are massive misses. If we’ve had those two players fit, I think we might have got by, even if we lost another two players instead – even Bruno Guimaraes’ excellence. Their losses have been so important.

“There’s nobody else who can do what Pope and Joelinton do for Newcastle.”

‘What are realistic expectations for Newcastle next year under Eddie Howe given the stumble this year? Paul E’

“I think that’s very, very difficult to answer, Paul.

“For a start, are the profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) going to change this summer and, if they are, does that mean Newcastle can spend?

“If Newcastle can’t spend, then I don’t think the top four is possible.

“If they can spend, it all depends on how much they can spend.

“There’s no doubt about it that they need to go out and sign three or four top quality players to try and get into the top four next season.

“At this stage, I have no idea if they’re going to be able to do that or not.

“Will they have to sell players to do it and if so, who?”