Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia admits he thought news that Alan Shearer was taking over at Newcastle United was an April Fool's joke.

"I'm glad he's not playing," quipped the Scot. "He was a fantastic player so I'd be worried if he was on the pitch this weekend. Only time will tell if he's successful, but I'd think the players will have been extremely happy to see him come into the club.

"He's got a good number two in Iain, who has a lot of experience. If you'd told me a couple of days ago Alan Shearer is going to (manage) Newcastle, I'd have said you were crazy. I actually thought it was an April Fool - somebody told me and I said 'No, I can't see that happening'. But he was a fantastic player and well respected.