Shearer is wrong! Newcastle are NOT devoid of ambition, Carver tells talkSPORT

John Carver insists Alan Shearer is wrong to suggest Newcastle United are a club lacking in ambition.

The Magpies legend expressed fears in a newspaper interview earlier this week that the majority of supporters are losing faith in their team and are ready to give up their season tickets because of the lack of investment and hope at St James’ Park.

He told the Telegraph: “There is no excitement, no anticipation. It takes its toll, even on the most loyal fans in the country. Fans want to dream their team can be successful, whether that's in a domestic cup competition or in Europe.

"Unless the club are going to bring in a load of exciting players in the summer, which is highly unlikely when you look at the way it's been run, then I think people might look at giving up. I can only tell you what my mates are thinking about doing because of the lack of hope at the minute.”

Carver, however, disagrees with his damning assessment, insisting Shearer would hold a different view if he saw the work going on inside the club.

In an exclusive interview with Drivetime, the Newcastle head coach, whose side are sitting 11th in the Premier League, said: "I see what we are trying to do and what we are trying to achieve.

"It is very difficult when you are not on the inside to understand the plans and preparations we have got going on. It is easy enough to say it when you are not involved.

"I must say, when I wasn't here, I was in a similar frame of mind until I actually came in to the inside of it and realised what we are trying to do.

"We are trying to get as high up that table as we can. Three seasons ago we finished fifth and we had an outstanding season. We probably punched above our weigh a bit, but our goals are high.

"We have got to aim high and we have got to try and win as many games as we can and get as many points on the board as we can.

"Alan is entitled to his opinion - he is a pundit and he can do that. All I'm worried about is making sure the team is right and performing well enough to win games. Sometimes you have to win in a scruffy manner and that is probably why Alan is talking about there being no excitement.

"We are in a situation where we are mid-table. We are not going to let the season fizzle out, that is for sure. I am going to drive them forward every time they go on to that pitch to make sure we get as many points as we can and give some excitement to the fans."

Carver, placed in charge for the rest of the season following Alan Pardew's departure in January, has made no secret of his desperation to take on the job full-time, and can boost his prospects with a victory against Manchester United on Wednesday night.

"The players are in a real positive mood, the fans are in a positive mood because of the win at the weekend [against Aston Villa] and we are going to take the game to them," he vowed.

Tune into talkSPORT for live and exclusive national radio coverage of Newcastle v Manchester United on Wednesday night (kick-off 19:45)