ALAN SHEARER will not attempt to change every problem he encounters during his initial eight-match reign as Newcastle United manager – but he has already altered the players’ eating habits.

Saturday’s defeat to Chelsea has left Newcastle embroiled in relegation trouble, with Shearer labelling the run-in as ‘one hell of a battle’.

Rather than troubleshooting and trying to correct every problem that he may find off the field, Shearer has decided to concentrate on football matters.

Having already demanded that his players all meet after training to have lunch together on a daily basis, the Newcastle boss is now trying to solely focus on making adjustments in tactics and formations.

With Sebastien Bassong likely to return from a groin problem at Stoke City on Saturday, Shearer’s first major selection decision could be to axe £10m Fabricio Coloccini.

Coloccini’s errors in the build up to Chelsea’s opener did little to improve the centre- back’s reputation in Shearer’s eyes, with the former Magpies captain understood to have already made up his mind on partnering Bassong with Taylor at the heart of the defence – provided both recover from injuries.

Regardless of the team he names at the Britannia Stadium, however, Shearer knows enough about the challenge that lies ahead having watched them often enough from the comfort of the BBC studio this season.

“We might have one or two players back, which would give us options,” said Shearer.

“We all know what we’re going to face at Stoke, it’ll be one hell of a battle, but we’re in one hell of a battle anyway.

“We have changed one or two things since we came in.

We can’t address everything because we’re only here for seven weeks. When (Sir) Bobby Robson came in to Newcastle, he made everyone sit down and eat together. It’s just a small thing, but I think it gets the players together as a team.

“We are doing that every day. It’s a small thing, but there are other things. We know we have to win matches.

It’s as simple as that. We have to win to get out of this trouble.

Stoke aren’t a Chelsea, but the way they play and the atmosphere of their stadium will be equally as tough.”

Currently on 29 points, Newcastle probably need ten more if they are to avoid travelling to the likes of Coventry and Doncaster next season.

And with 21 points still to play for, a trip to Stoke is certainly one of the fixtures Newcastle should be looking to win – regardless of the hostile atmosphere his players will face.

But Shearer’s arrival has seriously boosted confidence in the dressing room at St James’ Park, experienced midfielder Nicky Butt claims.

“Alan is one of those men who has charisma and an aura about him,” said Butt.

“He demands respect and he gets that the minute he walks in the changing room. The players are happy he’s here and it’s been enjoyable.

“He’s been very upbeat and the whole town is on a high.

Hopefully now he can help us get out of the trouble we’re in and I’m confident that together we can do that.”