Midfielder Lee played more than 300 times for Newcastle

Former Newcastle United midfielder Rob Lee believes the club's problems will worsen until it is in new hands.

As owner Mike Ashley struggles to sell United, matters on the pitch took a turn for the worse at the weekend, with a 6-1 friendly defeat at Leyton Orient.

"I've said before that until the club is sold, I can't see it getting any better," he said.

"People don't think it can get worse but maybe it can. It was a poor result at Orient but hopefully it was a blip."

He added: "It bothers me [because] I'm a Newcastle fan - I was here for 10 years."

I have said all along that Alan [Shearer] should be the manager of this club - I've said it for two years Rob Lee

Lee, 43, once again gave his support to Magpies manager-in-waiting Alan Shearer, who has admitted he is still in the dark over his future.

"I have said all along that Alan should be the manager of this club - I've said it for two years," Lee said.

"But nothing is going to happen, in my opinion, until the club is sold and it doesn't look like it will be a quick sale, so it could be a tough season for us."

Lee was speaking after the Sir Bobby Robson Trophy match between England and Germany, which was organised to raise funds for Sir Bobby's cancer charity.

He said the game, which England won 3-2, was a wonderful occasion.

"It's a great cause, all the players and fans seemed to enjoy themselves so it was a good night.

"Sir Bobby's a great man, a great manager, and I was honoured to play under him, as much better players than me have played for him.

"It was great to see him."

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