In my mind, only Jose Mourinho would bring the same reaction that the GOALden Boy would bring to the area.
Mourinho is arguably the best manager in the world (along with Sir Alex Ferguson) and he would be seen as a saviour, but how the Toon Army want one of their own. And only Shearer or Kevin Keegan would fit the bill.
Steve McClaren and Martin Jol are among those also being linked with the vacant post, but there would be uproar if they took over.
Mick Quinn: "Kevin Keegan went back to the club as manager and that worked out quite well and they'll want something similar for Alan Shearer.
"He turned down Manchester United to go to
"Alan Shearer would be as good as anyone and I can't really see beyond him. They've tried Graeme Souness, Kenny Dalglish, Ruud Gullit, they've tried the big names.
"They've gone for Bobby Robson and experience and it just hasn't worked out. They need a fresh face and maybe an old head to advise a younger man like Alan.
"But when I was up there, they were screaming for Shearer - and they'll be disappointed if they don't get him."