Newcastle United boss Alan Shearer has apologised for his effing-ridden debut in their defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.

From the Press box you could hear him swearing about squandered chances, stray passes and dodgy decisions. "What the f***" was the manager's phrase of the day. If only he could have put his boots on and gone on the field.

"Put my boots on?", he laughed, "have you seen the speed at which John Terry runs away? And have you seen my knees?

"But, yes, you're kicking every ball. I apologise for my language but I'm probably not the only one this season! It's very frustrating."