The Magpies legend and record goalscorer was drafted in for the final eight games of the 2008/09 season in a bid to try and save the club from relegation.
Ultimately, Shearer cruelly fell short in his challenge, which started with a 2-0 defeat at home to Chelsea on April 4, 2009.
Indeed, the situation Newcastle currently find themselves in isn’t too dissimilar to when Shearer arrived – apart from under-fire Steve Bruce is likely to stay until the end of the campaign.
Here, we take a look at Shearer’s first starting XI as United boss – and find out what they’re up to now.
1. Steve Harper
Harper, who is the club’s longest-serving player after amassing 20 years at St James’s Park, joined Steve Bruce’s coaching staff in November 2019, as well as striving to forge closer links between the senior set-up and academy. He’s also Northern Ireland’s goalkeeping coach. Photo: PAUL ELLIS
2. Ryan Taylor
Well remembered for THAT free-kick against Sunderland, Taylor has dropped down the English pyramid since his United release in 2015. He was last seen playing for Northern Premier North West Division side Colne FC before the Covid-19 shutdown. Photo: Mike Hewitt
3. Habib Beye
Monday, Tuesday, Habib Beye… the former full-back retired in 2012 following a brief spell with Doncaster Rovers. He’s now back in France and has spent the last five years working as a consultant for Canal +. Photo: ANDREW YATES
4. Fabricio Coloccini
The former Magpies captain left Tyneside and returned to boyhood club San Lorenzo in 2016., Following a season blighted by injuries, the 39-year-old is reportedly considering retirement at the end of the campaign. Photo: Stu Forster