ALAN Shearer paid tribute to his fellow Geordies as the Newcastle United gaffer admitted the club's fans deserved better than to watch their side lose their Premier League status at Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Magpies, who were backed until the last kick by a loyal travelling support of more than 3,000 fans, slipped out of the English top flight for the first time in 16 years following a 1-0 defeat at Villa Park.

And afterwards Big Al had this message for the Toon Army: "I know how much they're hurting because I'm feeling it too.

"It's devastating and they deserved better.

"I've always said that if we had a football team as good as our fans then we'd be top of the league.

"They were amazing again at Aston Villa and I thank them for that.

"They've supported us all of the way and I'm extremely sorry and disappointed that we couldn't keep the club in the Premier League."