Alan Shearer is a true professional and is the epitome of all that is good about this terrific game. His loyalty, commitment and total dedication over the years has provided, and continues to provide, football supporters with superb entertainment.

We promised our supporters that we would sign a top-class striker and we have exceeded every expectation by signing Michael from Real Madrid on a four-year contract.

Well let me tell you that no individual, be it the chairman, the manager or a player is bigger than Newcastle United even if that player is a multi-millionaire.

We are delighted that St James' Park will play host to Alan's testimonial game to celebrate his unparalleled career both at club and international level. It will be a fantastic night. The atmosphere will match the occasion and Alan will be given the perfect send-off.

We have nothing to be ashamed of regarding his transfer -- we have great guys and they were doing everything they could to get him fit,

We have spoken with the player and he has confirmed he is happy at Newcastle United.

Rest assured, we are working ceaselessly towards getting our new manager in place, but only when the time is right will we name the man to lead the team in the immediate future. One thing is for certain: we have a long list of candidates of the highest caliber to select from.

Just because we have not yet appointed a permanent manager, it doesn't means that our scouting team is not out there looking at players.

He was warned not to do it and he must suffer the consequences.

Glenn Roeder and Alan Shearer are quite capable of getting us through to the end of the season. There is no hurry. We don't want to be rushed into giving it to the wrong man, we'll be very careful.