By Tyne-Talk
February 2 2008

Alan Shearer has reiterated why he will not be assisting Kevin Keegan at Newcastle United and why he turned down a coaching role. The former number 9 and local hero had been linked firstly with the managers role and then with a behind the scenes coaching role at the club after Keegan was appointed.

It was Keegan who brought Shearer to Newcastle during his first reign as manager and so Shearer knows all too well how their personalities would perhaps cause more problems than results.

Shearer today explained why he turned down his dream job.

"He (Keegan) basically told me I could come in as his assistant or in any role I wanted but the timing is just not right,

I have not snubbed anyone or anything like that. The last thing they would need is another dominant personality, another name. It needs one personality driving things forward and that is Kevin Keegan. It needs to be his way and, if it is, I think he can turn things round.

Myself and Kevin were just too similar personalities, we are both opinionated. We are both single-minded and have our own ideas on how things should be done. That is not the best mix. So for plenty of reasons I had to say no. He has told me that if I have a spare day and fancy coming down to join in training, teach the kids, or just have lunch I can - and I will."

Newcastle then appointed Dennis Wise (seen above with Shearer) as "Executive Director" of the club with a role in bringing in new talent from around the world.

Keegan said of Wise's appointment:

"I am all for the changes and I approve of them. They want someone on the board who understands football, and Dennis understands football very well.

It will work very well. Dennis reports to me - the chain is established.

The club has become slightly fragmented. From my point of view, it's a positive thing - provided I get all the help I need.

I know what Dennis is going to do, and the idea in principle is good - to look for new players, to bring youngsters through and do things which our academy isn't doing so much at the moment.

I knew about it. It's not a surprise to me, it might be to other people.

Two or three names were given to me when I first sat down and talked about the job with the owner. One of them was Dennis.

I know Dennis. I know he's intelligent. I know his job here is to help me. He's on my side.

How can any manager be against someone who is going to come to the club to try to bring in talent?

It's right for this football club. A lot of people outside might be shocked about it. I think in the long term it's the right decision. It's something that needs to be done.

Dennis knows the game and this is an interesting role for him to get his teeth into. We had a fantastic meeting and are definitely singing from the same hymn sheet."

Dennis Wise has also been in the press this week commenting on his new career move;

"I'm here to help Kevin, bringing young players through and also recommend certain players to him.

He'll say yes and no, he has the final word, no-one else. Everything that happens will be run past him.

I'm not going to bring players in behind his back - I'm not into that.

A lot of people have got mixed up with the reason why I am here. I'm not here to be involved in the first team, I'm not here to manage.

I have to concentrate more on the academy, we need some young blood coming through of our own. We need to look abroad for players and that's my intention over the next few years."

Shearer: "I have not snubbed anyone"

Discussion started by TyneTalk (IP Logged), 02/02/2008 17:06

TyneTalk
02/02/2008 17:06

Shearer: "I have not snubbed anyone"

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