Toon Duo To Return?
By Tyne-Talk
January 14 2008
Alan Shearer and Kevin Keegan are the names on everybody's lips at the moment as the media goes into overdrive speculating who will take on the task of Newcastle United. Keegan has openly admitted that he loves the club and has hinted that he wouldn't rule out a return, whilst Shearer has remained typically quiet.
Keegan managed Newcastle United between 1992 and 1997, when he was succeeded by Kenny Dalglish. He has this week given the following statement:
"I really don't know, you're asking a lot of questions I can't really answer. I'm not ruling myself out or in or anything.
It's a club I love, that's what I am prepared to say, everyone knows that, and it's a club I've managed before."
When asked last October whether he would ever manager Newcastle again he said:
"I don't think it will happen. I think my life has gone in a different direction.
You never know, I mean I do get offers to go back into football, but I made a decision that I would come and do something different with my life."
The latest rumours suggest that Shearer and Keegan (pictured above when Shearer signed for Newcastle) are currently in talks with NUFC, whilst others insist that Shearer will not replace Sam Allardyce.
Shearer has so far been backed by Sir Bobby Robson who said:
"If he comes out and wants the job, Newcastle should give him a chance. They cannot afford to be turned down again by someone like Hughes.
I know most Geordie fans would like Kevin Keegan to come back so Alan could learn from him. But I don't see Shearer as anyone's No.2. If anybody came in, he would have to help Shearer rather than the other way round.
Make Shearer boss or there is no point in having him."
And also by Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp whom Newcastle made an official approach to last week.
"I'd give Alan Shearer the job. I think he's perfect for it.
Experience doesn't matter because he understands football. He's different class and he's going right to the top. There's no reason Alan Shearer can't do that as well.
He'd set the place alight and the fans would love him. You could bring a couple of experienced people in alongside him and it wouldn't be a problem for him.
Because of what he means to the place and what the fans think of him and what a player he's been, he'd be absolutely perfect.
I wouldn't want to see any further than Alan Shearer."
Blackburn manager Mark Hughes is also in the running but has been ruled out by his chairman John Williams:
"We have had no contact from Newcastle whatsoever.
He is doing a great job here and we obviously want to keep him.
We are chasing a UEFA Champions League place so why would he want to leave?"