Shearer the man for Taylor

Newcastle United's Steven Taylor believes that Alan Shearer is the only man who can help the Magpies secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

The 23-year-old defender admitted that he and his colleagues had let the club down this season, but believes that if Shearer stays in charge, the misery of relegation can be quickly forgotten.

Interim boss Shearer, who stepped in for the final eight games of the season, is reported to have been offered a four-year contract to remain at the helm at St James' Park.

Taylor said: "The only person I think can take us back up is Alan Shearer.

"He has been fantastic to work with and let's hope I get the chance to work with him again. He has been unbelievable with all the players.

"There have to be big changes after this and people need to realise it is an honour to play for Newcastle United Football Club.

"It doesn't matter what club you are at, you have to give it 100 per cent and the past ten months haven't been good enough.

"We want to be back, we are a Premier League team, so we need to be back up here as quick as possible.

"It is starting to sink in now we are a Championship team and we have to deal with it. We have to put ourselves back up there."