Pavel Srnicek can't believe Newcastle United's relegation.

The former Toon goalkeeper told the Evening Chronicle: "You have to live here to understand.

"I was fortunate enough to live, breathe and eat in this city. People say that era was one of the best in Newcastle's history.

"I am really happy I was part of that. And I hope that can be a future way of thinking for Newcastle."

And in the eyes of Czech goalkeeping ace Srnicek, he hopes the future is Alan Shearer.

He added: "You need somebody who can lift his players.

"And you need somebody who everybody respects. He's the right man for the job.

"Nobody knew what happened behind the scenes at the end of last season and what a tough job he had.

"It was really difficult."