Roeder Hits Out at 'Seat Warmer' for Shearer Claim

By Nick Raynor
March 27 2007

Newcastle United manager Glenn Roeder has hit out at claims that he is just keeping the managerial seat warm for Alan Shearer.

Roeder has faced critisism recently with Newcastle sitting in mid-table and no chance of any silverware, or European qualification.

Suggestions in the media are that Shearer is ready to quit his job as a BBC pundit and take up the reins at St. James' Park.

Roeder has denied these claims, telling of the friendship Big Al and he have.

The former academy manager also re-stated the fact that he believes nobody could have done a better job at Newcastle this season.

Roeder said:

"Alan texts me before every single game wishing me all the best.

"I don't think I am just keeping the seat warm for Alan. I see myself here long term, very much so.

"We have mentioned Alan and I see him as my friend. He texts me with little messages and has been very supportive.

"As a football person he understands the problems we have had.

"He has endorsed that during the season at times by saying how difficult the job has been.

"I do not believe anyone else could have done any better. I do not believe it.

"There are still eight games to go and we must finish the season on a high. No-one has been more disappointed than me by our reaction when we've gone a goal down in the last couple of games.

"That result against Alkmaar is Newcastle.

"Not just this season, not last season, it is the Newcastle which threw away a 12-point lead at the top of the Premiership, which you would have thought was impossible. That is Newcastle.

"The problem is, it has happened so often. If you go back years and years to when I was a player here and before, the fans are used to it, they expect it to happen.

"It's stitched into the badge. Somebody has to unstitch it and I want it to be me.

"Now anyone who comes in here will be my signing.

"I am happy to be judged on Martins, Sibierski and Duff - but three signings is not my squad.

"If we can get another four or more, then half the squad will be mine.

"Get through the first couple of years - and then you're on a roll."