Alan Shearer stands to make almost £2m should Newcastle United avert relegation. It is understood the struggling club's latest manager will earn £100,000 from each of this season's eight remaining games, plus a £1m bonus if Premier League survival is assured.
Already an extremely wealthy man, Shearer is not, however, putting his reputation on the line simply for the money and his lengthy, intensive talks with Mike Ashley, Newcastle's owner and Derek Llambias, the managing director, yesterday were believed to be primarily about the club's staff and structure.
By the time, shortly after 10pm last night, Shearer's appointment until the end of the May was ratified, Newcastle's controversial director of football, Dennis Wise, had already departed and club officials confirmed they would not seek a replacement for a role which has no place in Shearer's vision.
"I got a call over the weekend off Llambias and Ashley and I went round for a chat," Shearer said. "They kindly asked if I would take charge for the remaining eight games and I asked for a little time to think and spoke to a few people. It's a club I love and I, just like many thousands of people, desperately don't want the club to go down.
"It's a tough situation Newcastle are in and I feel deeply for this club. I believe I can help it along with the players. There is a nucleus here that can get this club out of trouble. They are very good players lacking confidence and it's up to me and the staff to get the best out of them."
Earlier Wise, who had been unaware of the approach to his one-time England team-mate, was summoned north to thrash out a settlement with Ashley. Almost simultaneously, Newcastle recruited Iain Dowie, the former Crystal Palace, Charlton and QPR manager as Shearer's assistant. Newcastle's record goalscorer has never been a "yes" man and Ashley will doubtless have discovered that a man who could not countenance working with Wise drives a hard bargain.
"Everyone at Newcastle is absolutely delighted that Alan has taken on this challenge," said Llambias. "Already there is a buzz around the club and the city, it has given everyone a massive boost."
In Dowie, a one-time Southampton colleague, Shearer has opted for an experienced, sports science-driven sidekick, leaving the future of his predecessor, Joe Kinnear, uncertain. The former Newcastle physio Paul Ferris, now a barrister, is poised for a return and could be followed by Rob Lee. The coaches Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood will stay in situ.
Shearer has activated a release clause in his BBC contract enabling him to take unpaid leave from football punditry. He told his Match of the Day employers that he intends to return next season but such plans could surely be subject to change."Alan Shearer is the right guy for the job," said Newcastle's former chairman, Freddy Shepherd. "If you want someone to lead you in a relegation fight, you couldn't pick anyone better. Alan's a leader and an inspirational figure. He will galvanise the dressing room."
Shepherd feels Ashley has finally swallowed some harsh truths. "Ashley made a lot of mistakes when Kevin Keegan was in charge and I think he's learnt his lesson. I applaud Mike Ashley for this appointment. Alan's got eight games to test the water. If Alan walked out, claiming he couldn't manage the way he wanted, Mike Ashley would never be forgiven,He's acted in the best interests of the club but if we don't stay up, I'm sure he will regret not taking this decision a couple of months ago." he said. Shearer will supervise training for the first time today before addressing the media. On Tuesday he is scheduled to choreograph an open training session for fans.
