Newcastle United hero Pavel Srnicek says the club's turmoil saddens him.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "It's sad for the club and the fans.

"I'd never have thought that Newcastle would be in this situation, not even in a bad dream. But the reality is different, and life is different.

"I hope they can pull through and do it. As a manager, you need to create the atmosphere in the club and the team, and I think Alan's (Alan Shearer) the man.

"He knows what he wants to do.

"Alan will never lose. He knows that, whatever he does, people will always stick by him because of his personality, and what he has done for the club.

"It's a difficult situation. But I think he took the job because he believes he can do it."