Alan Shearer feels large number of French players at Newcastle 'not healthy' trend

Alan Shearer, former Newcastle striker

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer feels the large number of French players at the club is not a good move and feels that having 11 players of French descent in the club could have a negative impact if the club does not perform well.

“I don’t think it’s a healthy thing to have too many French players in one dressing room,” Shearer told BBC Radio 5 live.

“If things start to go against you then little cliques appear [in the dressing room],” the former club member added further.

He feels Newcastle is still not much successful and first needs to build up before making such moves. “I know Arsenal had a lot of French players and went on to be successful. But I don’t see Newcastle being that successful,” he said.

Shearer, who had made 404 appearances for the club, wants the Magpies to relish a better season than last year.

“Two years ago Newcastle overachieved without doubt by finishing fifth,” he said to the BBC Sport.

“Last season they underachieved by finishing fifth bottom. If the truth be known, they’re somewhere in between.

“At the minute I would have them finishing 11th or 12th.”