KEVIN Keegan has confirmed that Alan Shearer will not be returning to Newcastle United as his assistant manager.

There had been widespread speculation that the Geordies' record goalscorer could be tempted back to St.James' Park for a role on Keegan's backroom staff.

But, having spoken with Shearer this week, the Magpie boss revealed that the former No.9 will not become his No.2 at Gallowgate.

However, Keegan said that he will hold further discussions with the black and white legend on Monday about a possible alternative role within the club

"We will see what happens on Monday," said the 56-year-old gaffer.

"It will not be as number two, I will tell you that.

"It will not be, and that's the conclusion we both came to. But it will be, if he decides to come in, a very worthwhile role."

Speaking at his pre-Arsenal Press conference, KK discussed the subject further.

He told television reporters: " spent four hours with him last night, and it was fantastic just to talk with him again because for a year-and-a-half we lost touch with each other.

"It was a very frank discussion, he asked all the right questions and I tried to give him the answers honestly. I, hopefully, asked him all the right questions.

"What was decided at that meeting was that he won't come here as No.2.

"But it's my belief from the conversation we had that there's a chance that he will come here in some capacity.

"We will know that by next Monday or Tuesday when he's had time to talk it over with his family. He needs that time to discuss it.

"The one thing I'm convinced of is that we can work together.

"Alan will manage this club one day, there's no doubt about it. It would be easier and it would be better if he knows the club, and he's an insider as opposed to someone who is trying to guess what's happening.

"The ball is very firmly in Alan's court. The owner, the chairman, myself, the players and the staff would really welcome him if he comes and joins us in some capacity.

"And that capacity could change over the years."

Watch an exclusive interview with Michael Owen on Newcastle World TV on Friday afternoon as he speaks for the first time since Kevin Keegan's return ... We'll also have the thoughts of King Kev himself ahead of the FA Cup Fourth Round clash with Arsenal ...

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