One time, the legendary Newcastle United striker and now accomplished pundit Alan Shearer was asked if one day he could consider the position of manager of England. During a very lively conversation on “The Rest Is Football” podcast, his fellow in-depth football pundits Gary Lineker and Micah Richards quickly managed to turn it into a light-hearted moment as the air was filled with laughter through the discussion.
It was during this discussion that Richards brought up the issue of management, asking Lineker to ask Shearer if he would ever take up the mantle of managing the Three Lions. Shearer responded immediately in typical dry humour, “No,” but then expanded, “To get absolutely hammered! You have millions and millions of people picking the right team.” The self-deprecating humour struck a note with both Lineker and Richards, who laughed at the sheer weight of public pressure that comes with the job.
This is not the first time this subject of Alan Shearer as manager has come up. Fast-tracked as arguably one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever forwards, his very brief foray into management in 2009 did very little to leave a lasting imprint. Shearer took charge of his beloved Newcastle United for just eight games at the end of the 2008/09 season, tasked with trying to save the club from relegation. Unfortunately, things did not go his way, with just a win to his name as the club got relegated to the championship.
These days, Shearer talks with something bordering on awe about those managers who can put up with the pressures of their job season after season. He once said on a podcast: “I have huge respect for the guys who are in there as managers. It’s incredibly tough.” Then he said, reflecting upon his own brief tenure: “I loved the eight games I had, but it taught me to appreciate how difficult a job it is.”
This brief managerial experience, upon which he has been questioned, though, has left Shearer rather philosophical, considering that his moment to be a full-time manager appears to have overrun him. His acumen as a pundit and evident insight into the game, however, lend credence to him off the pitch. He carries on in aplomb in his role as a football analyst, with his words most definitely carrying considerable weight among fans and professionals alike.
This most recent conversation from Shearer was humorous, emphasizing not only the intense pressure which comes with being the manager of England but also the candid realism he has developed after his managerial experience. His quick wit and candid approach explained the weight of the expectations that would come with the England manager job. That is something Shearer has chosen to avoid.
Though some might question what could have been had he continued down the path of management, he seems to enjoy his current role. His response also showed an appreciation for those who take on such high-pressure jobs and perhaps a bit of relief that he’s not one of them.
Alan Shearer Manager’s Response Makes Sense
It’s hard to argue with Alan Shearer’s reasoning.
Being the manager of England is one of the most scrutinized jobs in football, and Shearer’s brief managerial experience at Newcastle shows how rapidly fortunes can change. The honest, humorous reaction says much about his self-awareness and the pressures that come with football management.
While it might sound highly attractive to any Magpies fan, it is extremely unlikely, given the apparent contentment of Alan Shearer with punditry and media work. It was a timely reminder why Shearer will always be held in esteem by the football world: candid, always down-to-earth, with a dash of humour.
