Yet his presence looms big at St James' Park, just as Ruud Gullit said it did back in 1999. And that shadow seems to frighten the life out of anyone who takes the hot seat in the manager's office.
And today we read: "Sam Allardyce last night admitted he expects to be replaced as Newcastle manager by Alan Shearer".
Oh No Not Shearer AGAIN!
Those words were said by Sir Bobby Robson, Graeme Souness and Glenn Roeder, and I find it remarkable ... if somewhat frightening ... that managers continue to say it.
Allardyce: "I think Alan has made it clear when he wants to come back into football he wants to be a manager. If that is going to be the case he will be taking my job.
"I think he (Shearer) has made it clear he wants a good rest and has other things to do in life.
"He has passed his coaching badge which is great credit to him. But players of his ilk and his status now do not appear to want to move straight into the coaching or managing fraternity.
"Alan has shown a commitment to that for later on in his life though. He feels he wants to make that career move from the BBC into football at some point.
"And when he does he will have lots of opportunities."