Gary Lineker consoled a dejected Alan Shearer on television last night by predicting Newcastle will be ‘top of everything’ in five years.
The two former England players were discussing Newcastle United on Match of the Day in the wake of the Magpies’ feeble 3-0 loss to Chelsea at St James’ Park.
The result left Newcastle second bottom in the table on four points and without a win, with caretaker boss Graeme Jones still in charge ahead of next Saturday's trip to Brighton after the departure of Steve Bruce.
Match of the Day presenter Lineker said on the programme of Newcastle's defeat by Chelsea: “They could go from being the richest team in the world to the wealthiest club in the Championship if they keep playing like that.”
Shearer then highlighted Newcastle’s reliance on hoofing it long, before moving on to the club's future.
Shearer said: “They’re in a big relegation battle and whoever they’re going to appoint they need to appoint them sharpish because they’ve got a massive job on.”
Lineker replied: “But apart from all that they were pretty good?”
Shearer responded, saying to Lineker and co-pundit Ian Wright: "Well I didn’t enjoy you two laughing.”
Wright replied: “What you talking about, us laughing?”
Shearer replied: “What you laughing at? Look, you’ve got tears coming down your face now.”
Lineker then said: “He won’t be laughing in five years when they’re top of everything.”
Shearer responded: “I’ll remind you. I’ll remind you.”
Finally, Wright said: “I wasn’t laughing Al, I’ve just got something in my eye.”
Amanda Staveley, minority owner of Newcastle United, is reported by the Sunday Times today to be ready to recommend a manager and sports director to the club’s majority owner, the Public Investment Fund, this week.
