Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer says Alan Pardew deserves to remain in charge for next season.

Shearer is adamant the man who secured a shock fifth-placed finish 12 months earlier has earned the right to address what went wrong having been given the green light to carry on by owner Mike Ashley last week.

He told The Journal: "I think he deserves to keep his job because of the season before. He bought himself time.

"The nature of the game is he is under pressure and he knows that, but I'm delighted they stuck with him. You don't become a bad manager in one season.

"I'm pleased they stuck by him. He will feel they have to get off to a good start as you always do, but fingers crossed that will happen."