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Magpies turn to Shearer

31st March 2009

Alan Shearer has turned down an invitation to join Newcastle's coaching staff, says manager Joe Kinnear.

A week ago the 61-year-old boss said the door was "always open" for the former skipper to make a return.

"[Shearer] said it was a very kind offer but wasn't ready for it yet, and I said,'That's fine'," Kinnear said.

Having just signed a contract extension himself, Kinnear added: "There's a possibility I might bring someone else in on the coaching front now."

Magpies legend Shearer has been continually linked with a return to the club and admitted in September he would like to be manager.

Kinnear said last week that he was unconcerned with speculation linking Shearer the the manager's job.

"I said he would be welcome to come in any time to give the place a lift and work with our strikers," he added about Shearer, who scored 206 goals in 404 appearances.


"It was very honourable of Alan. Speculation linking him with the job is never going to go away and we're both aware of that.

"I told him he's more than welcome here and there's not a problem, there's no aggravation between us."

Kinnear arrived at St James' Park as interim boss in September following Kevin Keegan's exit.

He will now stay for another six months as owner Mike Ashley continues to try to sell the club.