NEWCASTLE legend and supporter Alan Shearer has warned newly appointed manager Rafa Benitez to expect the biggest challenge of his career.
The Spaniard replaced Steve McClaren at St James' Park earlier today on a three-year deal, with the Magpies sitting second from bottom in the Premier League.
Shearer took on a similar challenge in April 2009 with Newcastle sat rock bottom of the table.
The 45-year-old, though, was unable to muster enough of a response in his eight-game tenure to save the Magpies from relegation.
And when asked whether Benitez has taken on the biggest test of his career, Shearer said: "Yes, to put it bluntly.
"It's a very tough challenge for him, he's never been in a relegation battle before.
"He's always managed top players and been very successful at doing that, but I think it's an excellent appointment."
Shearer - who scored a club-record 206 goals during a 10-year playing career at St James' Park - was not surprised to see McClaren depart.
"I don't think he can complain about what's happened because for the vast majority of this season Newcastle have been in the bottom three," he added.
"They've been big spenders, so it's been a disaster really, from start to finish.
"When you look at the way he has been treated for the past four or five days it is not a surprise, it's a difficult situation for him."