John Barnes (talking to Goal.com): "I think the appointment of Alan Shearer is a good move for my old club Newcastle. We all know he had turned the role down before but in terms of timing this couldn't be any better.
Barnes: 'Shearer Has Lifted The Gloom'!
"If they stay up - and to be honest, I thought they would anyway - then Alan will be the saviour, the messiah if you will; if not, then the past regime will be blamed.
"It was important to lift the gloom around the club and to give it some positive energy. Alan's appointment will lift not only the fans, the players but the whole region. Despite playing alongside Alan at Newcastle I have no idea if he'll be a good manager as you never know.
"What we do know is that he'll instantly gain the respect of everyone associated with the club, which can only help him be a success. This job has probably come earlier than he anticipated but we all knew that one day Alan would become manager at St James' Park. He has now received an opportunity to lead his beloved club and it can only be a positive move for Newcastle.
"Alan has been sensible with his reported appointment of Iain Dowie as his assistant. After all, Iain is a very good coach, has been successful and has an infectious enthusiasm for the game. Obviously the pair of them played together at Southampton so should prove a good partnership as Iain's experience can only help Alan make the transition into management."