Shearer out of Toon running

Newcastle legend has no intention of taking St James' role

Last updated: 5th September 2008

Alan Shearer

Shearer: No Toon return

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Alan Shearer has ruled himself out of the running to become the next manager of Newcastle United, after conceding he could not work under the club's current management structure.

Kevin Keegan prematurely ended his second spell at the St James' Park helm this week, citing an inability to work alongside executive director (football) Dennis Wise - and Tony Jimenez, the club's vice president.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will be well aware that appointing fans' favourite Shearer would go a long way in appeasing a disgruntled Toon faithful, but the former old boy has no intention of taking the post.

While conceding he would one day like to manage, Shearer insists the current situation at Newcastle would not tempt him back to football.

"I would like to be a manager at some stage in my career, but that means controlling the players that go in and the players that go out," he told the BBC.

"I don't think I would be comfortable working within a structure with a director of football who was picking and choosing the players for me."

Everton manager David Moyes and former Juventus coach Didier Deschamps have been installed as the bookmakers' favourites for the job, but Shearer insists he is in the dark as to who would take the role.

Angry and hurt

"I don't think there will be a shortage of people who want the job, but your guess is as good as mine," he said.

"I know the fans are very unhappy at the moment. They have voiced their opinions and they are more than entitled to do that because without the fans there is no Newcastle United.

"They are angry, hurt, and disappointed and everyone feels for them, me included because we all want the same thing - success at Newcastle United because we are all supporters.

"It's going to be a big task for them because the fans are very angry. There are going to be a million names thrown around and they are going to have to make a decision quickly, before the next game."