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."
