Paul Gascoigne says Newcastle United must do all they can to convince Alan Shearer to remain as manager.

Gazza told the Daiy Mail: "In a perfect world, the gaffer would pull on a pair of boots himself and keep us up. He could do it, you know. I was watching him in the gym the other day, he's still a fit, strong boy.

"He impresses me, he always did as a player. Now he's the gaffer and is working every hour, staying late, desperate to find a solution. I think he will stay beyond this season, because it will grip hold of him. It might have happened already. I hope he stays. This club, this city, it needs Alan Shearer. Redevelopment is strong here, the place is buzzing, we just need the team right.

"I don't know why Newcastle isn't right. It has to be. Maybe Freddy Shepherd might come back in, that would be good. I do know that it's right to have a Geordie manager of a Geordie club. We should promote young English managers more in our country.

"You have to spend time here to understand the mentality of the place. When I go to the ground, before a match, I become anxious, excited. When I'm at home. I can hear the roar from miles away. Alan will give people more to cheer about here. He has to stay on."

Gazza, who turns 42 this month, has fond memories of his brief time at the club.

"I would have stayed, but they sold Chris Waddle and Peter Beardsley, two world-class players, so I went too."