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Wednesday, 16 January 2008, 22:06 GMT

Shearer diplomatic on Magpies job

Alan Shearer and Kevin Keegan Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer has remained diplomactic over speculation that he could be asked to help new Magpies manager Kevin Keegan.

"I haven't had anything to consider, to be honest, " Shearer told BBC1's Look North programme.

"He's his own man. As I said, I have got tremendous respect for him.

"But first and foremost, I don't know whether Kevin wants me as his number two, and I don't know whether I want to be a number two," Shearer added.

"I am sure he will do well and whoever he brings in, if anyone, it will be for the benefit of the football club."

Speaking on Wednesday's Match of the Day, Shearer, 37, said he would be happy to talk to Keegan over a possible role in the new regime.

"It'ss my club so if he was to ring me up I would certainly speak to him. I would be foolish not to."

Shearer was one of several people tipped to succeed former Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce when he was sacked two weeks ago.

But the former England captain revealed it was soon made clear to him the club wanted an experienced manager.

606: DEBATE
Keegan's return - good news or bad news?

"I was never a serious possibility because it was made clear to me that they were looking for someone with experience, so I was never really in the hat," he said.

"If they had spoken to me about the job, then I would have spoken to them because it's my club, I love that club, and if I can help them in any way then I would do that if it is right for everyone.

"It remains an ambition of mine to manage one day. When that will be I don't really know."

In the meantime, Shearer believes Keegan's appointment will fire the imagination of the Magpies supporters.

"The fans have what they want," he said. "They want entertainment, they want passion and they want commitment. They haven't seen that of late.

"One thing they will be guaranteed with Kevin is that they will get all of those things, everyone is excited up there.

"I said I could see Shearer going back with Kevin as a mentor"
Gavin Peacock

"Newcastle is in his heart and he wants to do so well for them. He failed to win a trophy there when he was manager last time but you can bet your bottom dollar that he will give it a right good go this time around."

Former Newcastle captain Gavin Peacock believes that Keegan would be an ideal mentor for Shearer as he plots a future in football management.

"I wouldn't rule out someone like Shearer being brought in by Keegan as an assistant or a coach to learn his trade," Peacock told BBC Sport.

"Kevin's an empowerer, he likes to see people grow under his influence.

"I said I could see Shearer going back with Kevin as a mentor, in the way he had Arthur Cox when he was there before."

  • Five Live Sport and BBC Radio Newcastle are holding a special fans' forum from 1900-2000 GMT on Thursday.

    If you would like to be part of the audience in Shearer's Bar please text your name and contact number to 85058 or alternatively e-mail FiveLiveSport@bbc.co.uk.




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    Related to this story:

    Shearer sure Keegan's Magpies will entertain (16 Jan 08 |  Match of the Day )
    Keegan wants Newcastle patience (17 Jan 08 |  Newcastle United )
    Keegan returns as Newcastle boss (16 Jan 08 |  Newcastle United )
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    Newcastle don't want me - Shearer (16 Jan 08 |  Newcastle United )
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    Redknapp rejects Newcastle offer (12 Jan 08 |  Premier League )
    Allardyce reign ends at Newcastle (09 Jan 08 |  Newcastle United )
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