I wouldn't help Toon

turbo_drift SG

Alan Shearer rejected the chance to become Kevin Keegan's assistant at Newcastle as he felt he would not be helping the club.

Keegan was keen to bring the Magpies' all-time leading goalscorer on board after returning to St James' Park as manager for a second time.

But Shearer felt his own personality is too similar to the former England manager and that could hinder the progress of the club.

Shearer told The Sun: "I have not snubbed anyone or anything like that. I chatted to Kevin for four hours at my house first time. Then we had another long meeting on Monday.

"Throughout the talks, all I was thinking about was what would be best for Newcastle - not what would be best for me.

"This club has given me too much for me to turn my back at a time when I might be able to help. But I don't think I would be a help right now - and I have explained that to Kevin.

"He basically told me I could come in as his assistant or in any role I wanted, but the timing is just not right."

Shearer feels his own high profile could end up being a hindrance rather than a help as Keegan tries to ensure Newcastle stay clear of relegation trouble.

"Right now I think the last thing they would need is another dominant personality, another name," he said.

"It needs one personality driving things forward at the club - and that is Kevin Keegan. It needs to be his way, and if it is I think he can turn things round. Myself and Kevin were just too similar personalities - we are both opinionated.

"We are both single-minded and have our ideas about how things should be done. That is not the best mix - you need to be different. So for plenty of reasons, I had to say no.

"I'm not saying the door is closed for ever. Just right now there is plenty to be sorted out there - and one man needs to do it and do it his way.

"All the time I will remain a fan of my club, but for now that is all."