Former Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd is backing the prospect of Alan Shearer returning as manager.

"I think it's great news," he told BBC Radio Five Live. "Newcastle are in a fight now, they're in the trenches, and Alan is the man to carry on the fight."

Shepherd also insisted Newcastle deserve to be seen as one of the country's big clubs, despite a major trophy drought which stretches back to 1969.

"It's more of an institution than a club," said Shepherd. "Everybody knows about Newcastle.

"It doesn't matter where you go in the world, they all want to know about Newcastle United.

"There's been a lot of controversy in the past, it's well known for the managers it's had, and it's a famous club, end of story."