But the dust has settled, and Kevin Keegan has admitted he will try his hardest to find a role for Shearer at Newcastle.
Shearer Get's That 'Wanted' Feeling!
Coach Nigel Pearson has since left the club, and Shearer says it is only his television commitments that stop him returning to the club in a coaching role ... but it seems he would have jumped at the chance if he was to become manager.
Shearer has agreed to take the occasional coaching session and that is sen as the first step to a deal.
Keegan: "I've left the door wide open because I respect Alan and know what he would bring to the party.
"He can't come in as No 2 because of his commitments but what we have agreed is that he is going to come in training with us to start off with and then he will review the situation when those commitments are no longer in place.
"It's up to Alan and me to come up with the right solution for him coming in here.
"He's now got a bit of time to think about it and he will think about it deeply.
"I've definitely not given up on it and Alan's not said anything to my knowledge that suggests he doesn't want it. I think deep down he does."