But ... from the horses's mouth, Shearer is looking to a future elsewhere ... but he has not given up entirely on his dream of becoming Newcastle's permanent manager.
Alan Shearer (talking to the Evening Chronicle): "I can't revolve my life around that any more because I have other things going on.
"If it happens, it happens, and if it doesn't, it doesn't.
"Listen, that's [the blueprint] all gone now. Whatever has happened has happened.
"If anything else happens, then it does. I will just get on with it.
"For now, good luck to whoever is doing the job - and at the moment, Chris Hughton is doing a great job.
"They have had a great start to the season. Without any doubt, everybody would have taken the position they are in now, so if they can build on that, then it will be great."