Shearer out of Rovers running
Alan Shearer tonight ruled himself out of the race to succeed Mark Hughes as Blackburn boss.
The 37-year-old former England captain had emerged as one of the favourites among fans of his former club in recent days, but after speaking to chief executive John Williams, “politely declined” the offer of a place on the shortlist.
Asked about the situation in his role as a BBC pundit during tonight’s Euro 2008 clash between Switzerland and Turkey, Shearer said: “The situation was, and is, that I was very flattered to have got a call from chief the executive, John Williams, at Blackburn.
“He asked me if I would like to be included on a shortlist for the manager’s job, which I politely declined because of the commitments that I have, namely this one.
“I was very flattered to have been asked and I thank him for that.
“He has made two great decisions in his last two decisions for the managers, and I am sure he will go on and make a third one, and I wish him good luck.”
The news will come as a blow to supporters who hoped the man who brought such excitement to Ewood Park during his time there as a player would chose to launch his managerial career on familiar territory.
It is not the first time Shearer has resisted the temptation to move into coaching – he has declined offers from former England boss Steve McClaren and current Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan since his retirement.
He has two years of his current BBC deal remaining and is clearly enjoying his media work, while the chance to spend more time with his family has also been welcome.
However, he has made no secret of the fact that he would like to go into management one day, although only when the time is right.
Shearer’s elimination from the field which see the focus once again turn to MK Dons boss Paul Ince, former Bolton and Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce and Rovers old boy Henning Berg, among others.
