Pearson Quits - Shearer Ready To Join Newcastle!
He was in charge of the side for the 6-0 defeat of Manchester United and the FA Cup third-round replay win over Stoke, but that was overshadowed by news of Kevin Keegan's return as manager.
Former Middlesbrough defender Pearson was brought to Newcastle by Glenn Roeder in October 2006 after Kevin Bond's dismissal and had his first caretaker spell in charge when Roeder resigned last May.
Pearson's managerial career began at Carlisle and he has since taken coaching roles at Stoke and West Brom.