Newcastle caretaker manager Glenn Roeder will be assisted by
club captain Alan Shearer following the departure of Graeme
Souness.
The Magpies have won only one point in six Premiership matches and
are only six points above the relegation zone.
A statement on the club's website read: 'Newcastle United today
announced that the employment of Graeme Souness has been terminated
with immediate effect.
'An announcement will be made shortly regarding transitional
arrangements pending the appointment of a new team manager.'
Former West Ham boss Roeder, who had worked within Souness'
back-room staff, will be caretaker boss starting with the weekend
visit of Portsmouth.
And Newcastle hero Shearer will assist him.
A club statement read: 'Newcastle United today announced Glenn
Hoddle will take charge of first team affairs for the immediate
future.
'Roeder will be assisted by captain Alan Shearer and will be
caretaker manager for Saturday's home Premiership game against
Portsmouth.'
The 3-0 defeat by Manchester City last night edged Souness even
closer to the precipice as many Magpies fans called for his
head.
After the defeat at Eastlands Souness admitted he was feeling the
pressure due to the 'passionate' support Newcastle receive.
'It's common knowledge in football that the supporters up here love
their football club and it means so much to them. They are madly,
madly passionate for their football club,' said the Scot.
'That makes it so attractive, but when you are not winning games,
that can mean there's a big downside to it as well, and you have to
accept that.
'But it's a special place to be involved in the football at
Newcastle. I think there are only two or three other clubs in the
country where that passion exists.'
Souness has been beset by injuries this season and having
£17million summer signing Michael Owen sidelined has been a major
blow in recent weeks as the goals he scored after his arrival had
given the Magpies a boost.
Other high-profile signings were made during Souness' time on
Tyneside but failed to have the desired effect.
Albert Luque was signed from Deportivo La Coruna for £9.5million,
defender Jean-Alain Boumsong cost £8million last season and several
other summer signings such as Scott Parker and Emre were
recruited.
But results did not come and Souness lost the support of fans
quickly this season as high-profile bust-ups dominated his
reign.
Craig Bellamy went to Blackburn last season after a public row with
the former Liverpool boss.
And winger Laurent Robert was also shown the door because he did
not see eye-to-eye with Souness.
Last season Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer were involved in a
confrontation on the pitch which also brought scandal to St James'
Park.
But ultimately results were Souness' downfall with the Magpies
languishing in 15th place, facing the prospect of a relegation
scrap rather than securing the European place their expenditure
demanded.
Now, Mickey Mouse have to find a new hole liao !!!!
