Allardyce Out of Toon; Shearer Plays Down Link

Do you want the good news or the bad news? OK, bad news first. Sam Allardyce becomes the latest in a long line of managerial casualties at the once mighty Newcastle United. Bad news for him and for the stability of the club but kind of inevitable given the team's abject performances in recent months. Recently tipped to be the next England coach and now down on his uppers but he will bounce back, no question. The good news? Alan Shearer is reportedly extremely unlikely to be the next Newcastle leader. Nothing against Shearer who has been a magnificent player for his hometown club and for England but he ain't right for the position. A lot of fans might want him but he is too closely tied to the club to do the right job for the team. There needs to be a more objective leader in place. Plus he has no previous managerial experience. The only concern? Mourinho ruled himself out of the England job only to have an extensive interview process before eventually turning it down. In other words, Shearer may be saying he doesn't want the job but the reality may be different. For the sake of Newcastle fans, let's hope Klinsmann and Jol are getting their resumes together.