Damien Duff has urged on Shearer to stay on!

With the club now up for sale, the Irishman feels that Shearer should become the permanent manager...

Toon Army midfielder Damien Duff has stated that he feels Alan Shearer is the only man who should the club's manager.

The Newcastle legend was brought in by owner Mike Ashley for the remaining eight games of the season, in a bid to retain the Magpies Premier League status.

However, Shearer could not save the club from the drop and the they found themselves relegated on the last day of the season, after a defeat to Aston Villa.

The manager's post is still far from permanently occupied at St. James' Park, with manager Joe Kinnear suffering from illness halfway through the season, and Shearer's future with the club still very much undecided.

Duff has made it clear who he feels should be at the helm of the club, stating that Shearer is the one who must be given the role.

Speaking to The Sunday Mirror, Duff said, "Alan Shearer is the only man for the job. I am sure it will be him."

The Magpies have just been put on the market by Ashley, who has set an asking price of £100 million, and could even accept a £90 million bid for the club.

The team's current position means that a massive change, in terms of playing staff, is expected, with many of the club's top players set to leave St. James' Park.

Duff has said that he would like to remain with the club, but admits he is unsure of where his future lies.

"Newcastle is a club that belongs in the Premier League, so hopefully they will endure only one season in the Championship," he said.

"There are budgets in the Championship. I am sure the gaffer knows who cares about the club and who wants to stay.

"There is going to be a massive clear-out, but I haven't thought about my future that much."
The Republic of Island international has been at the club since 2006, moving from Premier League rivals Chelsea, and has made 68 Premier League appearances for the club, scoring four times.