Steve Taylor and Alan Shearer have today had interviews published in which they vocally back Keegan during his second stint at the club.

Taylor said:

"He's just got that aura about him. He's just a massive icon, simple as that. He cheers everyone up. He cracks jokes, mingles with everybody. He brings that bit of confidence.

Results haven't helped, but if you've had a bad day or are feeling low, he puts an arm around you. He gets you up for it. He has that special something when he walks in the room. He's got so much respect from everybody.

There could have been no better appointment. I think Alan Shearer was probably the only one who could compete. The fans are still singing Keegan's name and I think it was what they wanted.

We're in a bad position at the moment. But we're confident we can get out of that and the players are 100 per cent behind Mr Keegan. One win and you'll see a massive change.

The thing everyone keeps going on about is time, the gaffer has said that as well. It might take a couple of years to get things sorted, but it will be worth it in the end. You've got to be patient.

We're going through that struggle now, but once we come through it we'll take off. Next season we will kick on."

Shearer said of Newcastle's ability to remain in the Premier League:

"I still believe and maintain they won't go down, they need a result on Monday against Birmingham, because it has been a long time since they won. They have three crucial home games against Fulham, Reading and Sunderland - and we will know more after those.

It [speculation about Kevin Keegan's future] is nonsense, but no one can stop that until they actually go out and get results. Winning matches changes everything; it stops people being negative about the club and the players.

He  knew what he was going into, and I am convinced - and I'm sure he is - that they will turn it around.

I don't see any reason how he can be in danger. The owner and chairman have put their faith in Kevin. He is - and was - the right choice and he will take the club forward providing the owner gives him the funds. There is no point in appointing him if they are not prepared to do that.

I just give him my full backing and hope he will get it right. I think he went into it knowing they had a difficult run of fixtures and that confidence was at an all-time low. Put those two together, and it is bad situation."

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