You see that great big ditch down there? The one big enough to swallow St. James's Park? That's how far my heart sank when I heard the news that Chris Hughton was offered the manager's job on a permanent basis.

Firstly, this is a huge backwards step and reeks of the lack of ambition wafting out from the Gallowgate.

Speaking before the charity game for Sir Bobby Robson's charity, Shearer said:

"I am the same as everyone else, I am in limbo. I don't know what is going on.

"Everyone is telling me there are people in to buy the club. If that is the case, then great."

"I want it sorted out as quickly as everyone else does.