ALAN SHEARER’s former team-mate Nikos Dabizas has insisted only a “lunatic” would not appoint the Newcastle record goalscorer as the Magpie’s next manager.

And after confirming he’s played his last game for the club, Michael Owen added his voice to the chorus supporting Shearer’s candidacy for the hotseat.

Dabizas played five years at St James’ Park with Shearer and believes he is the only figure who can end the chaos at St James’ Park.

“One thing is for sure, Alan is the only man who can unite the fans, the players and the club,” claimed Dabizas. “If I was chairman, I would have him as manager.

You would have to be a lunatic not to put him in charge. He’s the only person the fans will have. He’s an idol, inspirational.”

Dabizas claims his “heart lies with the club” and he’s kept a close eye on the Magpies during their recent travails. He revealed: “When the team was relegated, the reaction of the fans was unbelievable.

That last game was live on Greek television and people were asking me How come such a big club can be relegated and the fans are still applauding?.

“I told them it is because of Alan Shearer, they are cheering for him.

“He can be a shield to the club. It needs protecting and with him there, he can do that. The owner you can criticise because his decisions have cost the club. But Alan is the right man. He is a man of principles, who when he says something, does not change his mind the next day. Lets hope the club can find a solution soon.”

After confirming he be won’t extending his four-year tenure on Tyneside, Owen declared he saw enough of Shearer’s burgeoning managerial talents in the final eight games of the season to suggest he should be given the job permanently.

“I’d like to think Alan will be given the [manager’s] job,” said Owen. “The indications I saw were that he’s going to be a top manager in years to come.”

Once he’s handed the reins, Shearer could have a major rebuilding job on his hands with Habib Beye joining the growing list of players poised to quit St James’ Park. Sunderland have added Beye to their list of defensive targets with the 31- year-old’s ability to play across defence adding to his appeal for Steve Bruce.

■ Newcastle will travel to Holland for a pre-season friendly match with FC Utrecht on Sunday, July 26 (kick-off 2.30pm local time).