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Shearer not holding his breath
Toon legend getting on with his own business amid speculation

16th October 2009, by Jamie Casey

Alan Shearer admits he is not holding out for the Newcastle United job with the manager's position not yet secured.

Veteran striker Shearer was handed a short-term contract towards the end of last season in a bid to save the club from the drop but after failing to do so, he was not offered a permanent deal.

Caretaker boss Chris Hughton has since guided the Magpies to top spot in the Championship following their relegation under Shearer, but owner Mike Ashley has yet to make a permanent appointment.

Toon fans have made no secret of their desire to see Shearer in charge long-term, but with Hughton rejuvenating the squad, speculation linking Shearer with the permanent post has cooled.

While the club continue to go about their business, in no hurry to make an appointment, Shearer insists he has no option but to do the same and remained vague on a possible return to the hot-seat.

"I can't revolve my life around that any more because I have other things going on," he told The Chronicle.

"If it happens, it happens, and if it doesn't, it doesn't. Listen, that's all gone now. 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.

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

"I think 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."