Alan Shearer said he was "really excited" at the prospect of taking over as manager of Newcastle United, but insisted he will only be in charge of the club until the end of the season after attempting to help steer his side clear of relegation.

"My job is to keep Newcastle United in the Premier League," he said. "I will be in charge for eight games and eight games only."

After being unveiled in a press conference this afternoon alongside Iain Dowie, who will act as his first-team coach, Shearer emphasised the importance of wiping the slate clean as he attempts to keep his side in the English top flight in his first managerial role. "We don't deserve to be where we are," he said. "The powers that be have admitted their mistakes but whatever mistakes have been made in the past – it's gone now. Whether it was because of bad play, bad luck, bad tactics it doesn't matter, it's gone."

Shearer took charge of his first training session this morning and was full of praise for his players commitment. "The response from the players has been fantastic," he said. "I've gone in this morning, spoken to all the players and the training was superb. The players have set a superb standard, and I told them if they keep that standard up then we will be OK."

Shearer added he was eager to put an end to the hype surrounding his return to the club where he spent 10 years as a player and concentrate on the job in hand. "I think the fans know me as well as anyone. They know that I will give 100% 24 hours a day for the next eight weeks. I love this football club and I've been given chance to do something about it. If I didn't think there was the quality I wouldn't be here. There is quality here but the players for whatever reason are not playing with confidence."

With Shearer rumoured to be receiving £100,000 a game and a bonus for preserving Newcastle's Premier League status the former England international insisted he had not taken charge for personal gain. "I have not taken this job for me. I've taken it because I believe I can help this football club and help them out of this position. The big bonus for me will be keeping this club in the Premier League, that's the big bonus. "

Shearer added he would be leaning on Dowie's coaching expertise and seeking the advice of former managers. "I'll be speaking to Kevin [Keegan]," he said. "I'll be speaking to Bobby [Robson], I'll be speaking to Kenny [Dalglish] and I'll speak to Glenn Hoddle and Terry [Venables]. I think it's important that I tap into all the help that I can."

Shearer then said he hadn't spoken to Joe Kinnear but that the manager who will resume charge of the club in the summer had sent his best wishes and offered his support. He also pointed out that Michael Owen will start at the weekend if deemed to be match fit. "We're two points adrift so we have to win against Chelsea on Saturday.

"I envisage watching Newcastle next year playing in the Premier League. It's a massive challenge, we've got injuries but we'll give it a right good go."