Alan Shearer – I don't want Boro manager job

Oct 22 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

Although Moat continues to look for a resolution to the deadlock, and sources close to the deal insist talks are ongoing with Ashley in order to try and reach a workable compromise, The Journal understands few in the Newcastle camp believe the negotiations will lead to anything.

Significantly, a frustrated Shearer is one of them, although some might be relieved the United icon will get the chance to gain more managerial experience elsewhere before, presumably, making another triumphant return to St James’s Park at some point in the future.

Moat – who has made it clear Shearer is his only managerial choice if he takes over – is expecting to hear whether his bid has been accepted by the end of the week.

However, he has still not come up with a package that will pay the entire £80m up front – as stipulated by Ashley last weekend – which makes any chance of an agreement being reached slim.

In the meantime, Hughton will do his best to ensure Newcastle’s recent slump does not turn into a lasting one now that he is on the verge of being given greater authority as manager.

It will be a difficult job, although the removal of Shearer as an immediate threat will possibly come as a relief as he tries to lift spirits ahead of the arrival of Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.

Hughton said: "I have to get on with the job. We’re a good side on paper and anybody who was at the game would have seen how good we were for most of that match.

"What you will get is periods of the season where you don’t get results. We’ve already had periods of the season where we have played not so well and got results.

"The period we’re going through at the moment is one where we are aren’t getting what we deserve. Anybody could see we deserved something from the game against Scunthorpe. When you aren’t getting the rub of the green you still stick to your task, and that is to stick to the way we are playing and to drive on and get results."