NEWCASTLE legend Alan Shearer has voiced his concerns about the running of the club.
Speaking on Match of the Day, Shearer opened up in a passionate rant about the club’s affairs off the pitch after their 4-1 defeat to Manchester United.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace on his second Manchester United debut condemned the Magpies to their third defeat in four Premier League games.
Steve Bruce’s side are currently second-bottom in the table, with the 2-2 draw against Southampton their only point so far this campaign.
And Shearer let his frustrations show, saying on Match of the Day: “I hate what my club is or has become. It’s been a long time now, it’s a hollow and an empty football club.
“There’s no hope or ambition and I’m pretty sick of it to be honest. It’s copy-paste-repeat every season.
“They give players who have been at the football club new contracts because they can’t sell them on.
“Then they have an excuse that they can’t bring other players into the football club because those players are being paid a salary.
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“It’s cheaper to keep them on the books rather than buying other players. The fans deserve better. Every manager has the same problems – as I said, it’s copy-paste-repeat every season.”
Joe Willock’s £25million arrival was Steve Bruce’s only signing during the transfer window, after a successful loan spell at St. James’ Park during the second half of last season.
But it means Bruce is effectively dealing with the exact same squad as last season, and the lack of signings at the club have led Shearer to believe there is no ‘ambition’ at the Tyneside club.
Owner Mike Ashley has long been criticised by fans for his running of Newcastle United.
The Magpies have not finished higher than 10th in the Premier League since the 2011-12 season, when Demba Ba’s 16 goals helped Alan Pardew’s side to a 5th place finish.
And during those ten years the club have even had a season in the Championship after relegation from the top flight in 2016.
But while Shearer fumed at the running of the club off the pitch, he took positives from the Magpies performance on it in the defeat at Old Trafford.
He tweeted: “You have to respect greatness and @Cristiano is that and more.
“Plenty of positives for #nufc to take from that performance. Man Utd so many options going forward.”
