Shearer dismisses Newcastle link

Alan Shearer has rejected suggestions he will be the next manager of Newcastle United after Chris Hughton’s sacking on Monday.

The Newcastle legend is one of the favourites to take over the vacant position, a role he briefly held in 2009 when the Magpies were relegated from the Premier League.

Reports suggest Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will announce a new manager by Saturday, but Shearer categorically denied he was next in line for the top job at St James’ Park.

“I won’t be the next Newcastle manager. I can guarantee you that,” Shearer said.

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

Former West Ham and Charlton boss Alan Pardew and ex-Ajax manager Martin Jol are also said to be among the front runners for the job.

But Shearer said the new manager, whoever it was, may have a hard time living up to the standards set by the club, given that Hughton was sacked with Newcastle sitting in 11th place in the Premier League.

“I wonder to myself where they think Newcastle 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,” Shearer said.

“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.”