Alan Shearer has hinted for the first time that
his spell as Newcastle manager could extend beyond this Premier
League season.
The 38-year-old led his hometown club into battle
with Fulham at St James' Park on Saturday hoping victory and
results elsewhere would effectively secure their Premier League
status.
Shearer admitted earlier in his reign that survival would
represent arguably his biggest achievement in football.
But whatever happens over the next week or so, there is a
growing groundswell in favour of the former Magpies skipper taking
charge on a permanent basis.
He has repeatedly declined to talk about his future after
insisting on his arrival he would remain at the helm for just the
final eight games of this season.
However, he freely admits he is enjoying the experience and the
feeling that he could be ready to take the plunge has been growing
for several weeks.
Asked if he is missing his Match of The Day television role,
Shearer said: "No, I'm not missing it at all.
"I am thoroughly enjoying this. I have said every week that,
despite not winning, I have enjoyed it.
"But you enjoy it a hell of a lot more when the results go your
way, like Monday against Middlesbrough.
"Now I will be looking for that again.
"I have not had any free time at all in the past few weeks, but
I didn't expect any.
"I have no complaints and have enjoyed it - if we continue to
get results, I will enjoy it even more."