Former Newcastle United midfielder Kieron Dyer says he had sympathy for Ruud Gullit over his time on Tyneside.
It was the iconic ex-AC Milan and Sampdoria star who signed Dyer from Ipswich Town in 1999.
But while Dyer had some support for Gullit, he feels he was wrong to axe Alan Shearer given he always gave "110%" for the Magpies.
He told Sky Sports: "It was interesting, I loved it, seeing at close hand what was going on. I felt sorry for Ruud Gullit because I think Alan has since come out and stated he didn't like Ruud.
"We were struggling at the start of that season, and if I was to go into management, would I pick a player who despised me?
"I'm not sure I would."
But Dyer said Shearer's loyalty to Newcastle should never be questioned.
He added: "In all fairness to Al, he was a local lad and every time he set foot on to the pitch he'd give 110%.
"If you're Ruud Gullit and you know the man doesn't like you, would you play him? I can see it from both sides."
