GLENN ROEDER insists he is not simply Newcastle's temporary
boss before the ascension of Alan Shearer. The Toon gaffer has
launched a passionate defence of his record this season after their
UEFA Cup exit and mid-table league position triggered gloom on
Tyneside.
Roeder, on a one-year rolling contract, says he can only be judged
when he has reshaped the squad with his own signings this summer -
and when the club's major injury problems have cleared up. He
reckons it's only a "vocal minority" calling for a new boss in the
last few weeks, with some fans wondering when Shearer - seemingly
content for now as a BBC pundit - will want to make the switch into
management.
"There are still eight games to go and we must finish the season on
a high. No-one has been more disappointed than me by our reaction
when we've gone a goal down in the last couple of games." Roeder
will also have Michael Owen back at the end of April to bolster the
push for eighth place, which could win an Inter-Toto Cup berth, or
higher.
"The criticism I've had doesn't give me sleepless nights. Compared
to what was thrown at me at West Ham, I think people have been fair
this season. "Now anyone who comes in here will be MY signing. "I
am happy to be judged on Martins, Sibierski and Duff - but three
signings is not my squad. "If we can get another four or more, then
half the squad will be mine. "Get through the first couple of years
- and then you're on a roll."
