Alan Shearer has described Newcastle United as "a mess from top to bottom" as the club languishes in 19th place in the Premier League, one point from safety. The Magpies suffered a 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, prompting fan protests against head coach Steve McClaren.
Shearer, who managed the club during their last relegation in 2009, said McClaren must take some blame but that the problems run deeper. He criticised the club's hierarchy for issuing statements of support from the chief executive, fitness coach, manager, captain and players, arguing that performances on the pitch do not back up those words.
The former striker also questioned McClaren's team selection, noting that £15m striker Aleksandar Mitrovic was dropped to the bench in favour of Emmanuel Riviere, who has scored just one top-flight goal in nearly two seasons. "The team lacks character, leaders," Shearer said. "You've got a £15m striker that you paid for in the summer, [the team] can't score goals, he's sat on the bench. That tells you where the problems lie at Newcastle: everywhere."
