Shearer rejects Toon talk

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer insists he will not become the next manager of his beloved Magpies.

Shearer is a 16/1 shot with Sky Bet to step back into the St James’ Park hot-seat following Chris Hughton’s shock departure on Monday.

But the former England striker, who failed to keep the Magpies in the top flight in 2008 in his previous stint in charge of the club, has ruled himself out of the running.

The 40-year-old said: “I won’t be the next Newcastle manager. I can guarantee you that.

“I have said never say never but I can guarantee I won’t be the next Newcastle manager.”
Questioned logic

Shearer also questioned the logic of the Newcastle hierarchy in sacking Hughton after he guided the Magpies back into the top flight, where they currently occupy 11th place.

The former No.9 said: “I wonder to myself where they think Newcastle should be, if they think they should be higher than mid-table because I’m not being disrespectful to the squad but they’re not going to be in the top six or seven.

“That isn’t Newcastle’s season. Newcastle’s season this year should be all about staying in the Premier League.

“At this moment in time there’s no danger of them (being relegated).

“They’ll be there because there’s teams that are worse than them.

“For me, Chris was doing a very, very fine job.”