• Premier League

Shearer not interested in Newcastle job

ESPN staff
December 7, 2010
Alan Shearer was in charge of Newcastle when they were relegated two seasons ago © Getty Images
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Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant managerial post at St James' Park.

Chris Hughton became the first Premier League casualty of the season when he was sacked by the Magpies on Monday. But Shearer, who took temporary charge at Newcastle during their doomed 2008/09 Premier League campaign, is not interested in a return.

"I won't be the next Newcastle manager," Shearer told BBC Radio 5Live. "I can guarantee you that. I have said never say never but I can guarantee I won't be the next Newcastle manager."

Hughton's dismissal came after a disappointing 3-1 defeat at West Brom on Sunday, but with the newly-promoted side sat comfortably in mid-table, Shearer believes the decision was a poor one by the Newcastle board, who he thinks have unrealistic targets for their first season back in the top flight.

"I'm one of the vast majority who thought Chris was doing an excellent job," he said. "I'm all for experience but surely you've got to look at the job someone has actually done.

"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. For me, Chris was doing a very, very fine job."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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