Telegraph.co.uk

Shearer is not hanging on Newcastle call

16th October 2009, by Rob Stewart

Alan Shearer has refused to rule out the possibility of one day managing Newcastle again but has admitted that he is no longer prepared to "revolve my life" around the prospect.

Moving on: Alan Shearer is happy to see Newcastle doing well this season under Chris Hughton.

The former Newcastle and England captain remains philosophical about his future having been snubbed by club owner Mike Ashley following his ill-fated spell as interim manager last season.

"I can't revolve my life around that any more because I have other things going on," Shearer said.

"If it happens, it happens, and if it doesn't, it doesn't. Whatever has happened has happened. If anything else happens then it does - I will just get on with it. For now, good luck to whoever is doing the job."

Shearer, 39, was expected to be entrusted with the task of masterminding a promotion challenge on Tyneside following relegation from the Premier League last May.

But Ashley surprisingly decided not to hand Shearer the reins and placed the club up for sale and put coach Chris Hughton in temporary charge of first-team affairs.

That move has been vindicated with Newcastle currently sitting on top of the Championship ahead of tomorrow's visit to Nottingham Forest and Shearer applauded Hughton's efforts.

"I am as delighted as anybody with the start that they've had," Shearer added.

"At the moment Chris Hughton is doing a great job. They've had a great start to the season.

"Without any doubt everybody would have taken the position they are in now so if they can build on that, then it will be great.

"They have been playing very well. It would have been amazing if they had won their last two games.

"It would have given them a great cushion at the top of the Championship. But they've now got a really tough game against Nottingham Forest.

"There's no reason why they can't go there and win that game due to the way they are playing.

"They're full of confidence, and why shouldn't they be?"

Meanwhile, Shearer believes England's World Cup prospects will hinge on the fitness of Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney.

Shearer said: "There have been many England teams that have been to World Cups and European Championships and qualified. They've gone there with big expectations.

"I'm not telling Fabio anything else; he knows that the England team will be judged on what happens when they get there.

"You are never judged on what happens in the qualifying campaign. But I believe if they keep Gerrard and Rooney fit then they have a great chance of winning it."

"The nation is on a high with England getting to the World Cup. It's been a great campaign in the qualifying series. The hard work starts now, though, doesn't it?"

"You need all sorts of things to go for you. Don't forget we've got one of the toughest league campaigns and domestic campaigns around.

"Players are more susceptible to fatigue. I believe if they're all fit, especially Gerrard and Rooney, then we've got a great chance."