Shearer - Toon snub for good of club

Shearer thought long and hard about whether he could help Keegan, before concluding another "dominant personality" is not what the Magpies need at present.

Shearer told The Sun: "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 added: "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.

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

The ex-England captain has since seen his fellow former international Dennis Wise arrive as part of the management team assisting Keegan, who returned this month to manage Newcastle following the departure of Sam Allardyce.

Shearer is well aware 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 in the Barclays Premier League.

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

"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."