Newcastle United's players have bee amazed by the transformation at the club since Alan Shearer's arrival.

With Shearer has come has a series of scientific approaches designed to keep Newcastle in the Premier League, including:

* A tightening of all discipline;

* More gruelling training sessions;

* Team bonding sessions;

* Mandatory ice baths after training and games;

* Increased emphasis on time-keeping;

* Heart monitors to be worn during training.

Newcastle travelled down to Chelsea on Friday, a day earlier than planned so the first team could go out for a meal. Such bonding has now become commonplace since Shearer took over.

A source told the News of the World: "The change has been amazing. There has not been a stone left unturned. Training went up 300 per cent for his first session and it has stayed there. The system is more professional now. It was a lot more haphazard before.

"The treatment room is clearing. Players don't want to be there until four or five o'clock in the afternoon. There has been a great impact. He is making lots of small differences which will benefit the club in the long term."