Alan Shearer's hopes of starting his eight-game spell in charge of Newcastle with a win were dashed by Chelsea, but despite the setback he remains confident his beloved club can avoid relegation from the Barclays Premier League.
The 38-year-old Tyneside hero was given a standing ovation on his return to St James' Park, but that is where the goodwill ended as visiting Chelsea played the role of party-poopers to snatch a 2-0 win.
Second-half goals from Frank Lampard and Florent Malouda condemned Newcastle to their sixth league game without victory and left them three points adrift of safety.
But after his sensational short-term appointment last week, Shearer believes he is still capable of achieving the mission he was drafted in to complete - avoiding relegation.
"I am optimistic still, I am still confident that we can avoid the drop and my players are too, which is more important," Shearer said.
"One game in football is a hell of a long time - we have got seven.
"I am sure there are going to be twists and turns between now and the end of the season."