‘To worry about’: Shearer responds to Lineker’s claim about Eddie Howe at Newcastle

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Alan Shearer has stated that Newcastle ‘can’t sit back’ under their soon-to-be manager Eddie Howe, as he told Match of the Day.

The Newcastle legend was asked by Gary Lineker that one ‘worry’ about Howe is the number of goals his Bournemouth side conceded during his time in the Premier League.

During his days at Bournemouth, the South Coast outfit were known as a free-scoring and free-flowing team that entertained all, both home and away.

It included a ninth-placed finish – his and Bournemouth’s best ever – but ended with relegation in his final campaign.

During that period, the Cherries always conceded over 60 goals per season- 67 goals in their first campaign, then followed by 67, 61, 70 and 65 – in that order.

That’s something he can’t afford to bring to St James’ Park, else Newcastle will be doomed before he can get going.

Only rock-bottom Norwich (26 goals) have shipped in more than the Magpies (24) this season, so that’s one area of concern already.

But this is what Shearer had to say about Howe’s imminent arrival, followed by Lineker’s defensive worries.

“I think it’s a good appointment,” said Shearer. “He has been out for a while and I think he will come back energised.

“He did very well to get Bournemouth where they were.”

Lineker added: “His teams score goals, but defensively you see from that might be something to worry about possibly.”

Shearer responded: “He has to shore up at the back because Newcastle have been hopeless defensively.

“On today’s evidence and last week’s evidence, they can’t sit back. That’s all that matters (keeping them up). It’s a hard job, but I am hopeful and confident that with extra players in January, and his experience, they should have enough.”

Howe was in attendance at the Amex Stadium yesterday as Newcastle recorded a point against Brighton.

But, after 11 Premier League matches, they are still searching for that all-important confidence-boosting win.

Newcastle are the only remaining team in the Premier League without three points, after Norwich beat Brentford yesterday.

And even though they put some much-needed points on the board, they still sacked their manager Daniel Farke and will no be drawing up their own list of managers they want to bring in.