Alan Shearer names ex-Newcastle ace he never saw becoming a manager

Newcastle United icon Alan Shearer has been hugely impressed by the work of one young and up and coming manager - who he once worked closely with during his time at St James’ Park.

Damien Duff, who signed for Newcastle shortly after the Match of the Day pundit’s retirement from playing in 2006, was one of just three ever present players in Shearer’s brief eight-game managerial stint which ultimately ended in relegation in 2009.

The Republic of Ireland international was initially signed from Chelsea as a winger in 2006 but played many of his final top-flight games for Newcastle United as a left-back due to an injury crisis which left the club short on players in defence.

Duff inadvertently deflected a Gareth Barry strike into his own goal on the final day of the season to ultimately consign the Magpies to the drop in the first of two dismal relegations under former owner Mike Ashley.

However, Shearer has nothing but good things to say about working with Duff during his time in the St James’ Park dugout but admits he is hugely surprised to see him forming a managerial career of his own.

Shearer told Betfair: “I managed Damien during my time at Newcastle, and I know how hard he tried for me and the club, but I will be honest I didn't see a coach or manager in there!

“I saw a great lad with a great work ethic, but I wouldn’t have expected to see him on the sidelines.”

Damien Duff retired from football in 2015 and has been a roaring success since turning to management with Shelbourne F.C in his homeland in 2021.

The ex-Blackburn Rovers and Fulham man recently guided the Dublin based side to their first League of Ireland title since 2006 while finishing above a Shamrock Rovers side that had dominated the division for the last four seasons.

Before their final game of a season which runs from March to November, Duff had said winning would “torpedo” all his previous achievements out of the water and when his side duly beat Derry away to pip Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers to the title by two points, the 45-year-old described their triumph as “absolutely Hollywood”. 

Shearer admits he had been hugely impressed with Duff’s trajectory in management and believes he could one day have the tools to step up and take charge of the Republic of Ireland international team.

He added: “I have been following his progress, his interaction with the fans and success he has had, and It's great to see. He's done a great job so congratulations to him.

“Whether he can be a future Ireland manager depends on what they do in the future but If he keeps going, then he is absolutely putting himself in the shop window for the top job in Ireland.”