Kevin talked last night about Alan Shearer, and there were a few things obvious from that talk, regarding the relationship between the two of them.
The two legends of Newcastle United during England training
One thing that came out loud and clear is that Kevin really likes Shearer as a man. He talked about him being a great footballer, which we all know about, but it was also clear that Keegan thinks that Shearer is something special. It was almost like Kevin was talking about Alan as if he was his son – just glowing praise from Kevin. 😀
Keegan was asked if there would be a clash of personalities with Alan, after the former Newcastle number 9 had said in the press he was too much like Kevin to work with him effectively.
Kevin brushed that off and said he didn’t want yes men at the club and even now he has big arguments with Arthur Cox. Kevin said even recently at the training ground, if someone had come into the room when they were discussing some of the transfer targets, you would have thought these two just don’t get on.
But we know the two of them have worked famously together and of course it was Arthur Cox, then Newcastle manager who first brought Kevin to the club the first time in 1982.
One thing that came out in yesterday’s talk was that Shearer has a lot of commitments that he just cannot break for the moment. So it would have been difficult for him in any case to be Kevin’s number two. Working on part time basis also seems to have been rejected by Alan – just because of his workload – although he is still employed as the Newcastle United Worldwide Ambassador.
But don’t be surprised if in a year or so Shearer comes into the club under Kevin in some capacity. Keegan knows Shearer will be manager of the club one day, and he thinks the sooner Alan gets on board the easier it will be for him to become the eventual manager.
But Kevin’s here at least 3 years so Alan shouldn’t be needed before then – but after hearing Kevin last night, it’s not clear to us the two of them couldn’t work very well together at the club – for the benefit of Newcastle United.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
11 comments so far
wolfhound
Feb 8, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Comment #1let king kev bring some salvation to an all to nervous toon army first and then down the line al can come in on better circumstances and get some experience under his belt and take us to the top of the leauge and a fa cup and install himself in the newcastle hall of fame as the man who lead the toon to the promised land
paulthepom
Feb 8, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Comment #2hope shearer isn’t going to be another hansen/linekar parasite.we need top blokes in football and these two make me sick.they made their crust through the sport then sit there every week and slag people off ,i know we need commentators but these two think they know so much but wont risk their reputation.hope shearers not going down that road.
paul p
Feb 8, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Comment #3interesting fact. keegan still has not appointed a number 2. maybe he is keeping that warm for shearer or beardsley as he wants him back as well. now that would be awesome, keegan, shearer, beardsley, cox, terry mac
Prince_Monkey
Feb 8, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Comment #4Roy Evans was a Liverpool for 15-20 years or something before he became manager. Ok he wasn’t their best but my point is the sooner |Shearer comes in the more he’ll know for when he takes over.
Graeme
Feb 8, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Comment #5You surely cant expect Shearer to be contentious though!! He wasnt chrisened “Mary Poppins” for no reason. He isnt going to rock any boat at the beeb, given that he’s picking up a shed load of money for very little effort!!
If Shearer really has the fire, drive, determination to become one of the great premiership managers, he needs to get of his comfy sofa, get down to Div 2 and learn how to be a manager. Personally, I dont think he has the desire to do that, but will take it, if its handed to him on a plate!!!
Life is just soooo comfortable for him!!!
gloryhunter
Feb 8, 2008 at 1:04 PM
Comment #6@Graeme. Good points ….
In all fairness though Shearer as number two would be straight out onto the pitch putting himself about. He needs a long rest given the injuries to his body over the years. What better place than on an easy chair next to Big Ears, Big Mouth, and Big Eejit Defence Coach Lawrenson?
Bill F
Feb 8, 2008 at 1:55 PM
Comment #7Does he want to be part of the Toon set-up with KK, seems to me that he has had plenty of chances to opt in, but still he remains coy.
Frankly I couldn’t give a damn Scarlett, I would have The Dalai Llama as manager (or assistant) if he could give us a successful team.
Leo*
Feb 8, 2008 at 2:32 PM
Comment #8someone noted that this is a clever ploy be keegan to get shearer off his back, alike other managers had him on his back, so to take pressure off when shearer says he isnt interested.
ende
Feb 8, 2008 at 2:58 PM
Comment #9Probably one of the better articles on this matter that I’ve seen so far. Let Kevin have some time with the club himself while Alan finishes up his current commitments, then in a few years bring Alan in under Kevin in some capacity. Maybe Alan even spends some time at Southampton in between then. Their stints should certainly overlap, though.
Dunc
Feb 8, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Comment #10It’s been reported that Shearer has taken a temp role at the club under KK.
Don’t know exactly what capacity but this needs sorting out properly for the good of the team and the club.
Dunc
Feb 8, 2008 at 11:28 PM
Comment #11Should have said,
I heard it reported on the radio about 9:30 tonight.