Newcastle legend Alan Shearer thinks that Rafa Benitez’s side will have to endure a “hard slog” if they want to get promoted from the Championship this season.
When asked whether the Magpies are building good foundations to return to the Premier League as a stronger team, Shearer told the Evening Chronicle that he is optimistic but cautious:
“I hope so, there’s a feel-good factor about the club and the city. I know they’re in the Championship, but it’s got to start somewhere. They’ve got to get back into the Premier League before they start thinking too much about that though.”
“They’re doing all right after a little blip to start with. But they’re back on track – and it will be a long, hard slog in that division though.”
After battling to a 1-0 win against bottom of the table Rotherham United last time out, the Magpies will have an equally tough challenge when they face Brentford at St James’n Park on Saturday afternoon.
Dean Smith’s side have been in inconsistent form recently with a defeat against Wolves, followed by a 4-1 win over playoff contenders Reading and a 0-0 draw at home against lowly Wigan Athletic. They still sit seventh in the Championship table after eleven games though and will no doubt cause some problems for a Newcastle side whose home form this season has been up and down to say the least.
