Venables may be last man standing for Newcastle

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has admitted he faces a "legal minefield" as he searches for a successor to Bobby Robson.

Several names on Shepherd's list are tied up on long-term contracts leaving former England coach Terry Venables a candidate to move to St James' Park on a temporary basis.

"I know the fans are impatient and I'm as impatient as they are," said Shepherd. "But I've got to do what is best for Newcastle, not what is best for my popularity.

"We don't want any knee-jerk reaction and we cannot rush into anything. We're trying to do things correctly and professionally. There's a legal minefield out there and we have to observe all the rules of the Premiership.

"We're talking to everyone we are legally entitled to and those who we feel merit our consideration.

"What we must not forget is that it is the future of Newcastle United which is at stake here and the most important thing is to get the right man."

Alan Shearer was the latest candidate to distance himself from the job, believing he is too young and too inexperienced to do it.

The 34-year-old striker was originally installed as the bookmakers' favourite to take over at St James' Park. However, after a flood of money for Venables promoted the former England coach to pole position, Shearer revealed he feels he is too young to lead the Magpies.

"I went to see the chairman and simply told him I was too young and did not want to take on the manager's position," Shearer said. "It is flattering and humbling even to be linked with such a big job but right now it simply is not for me."

Sam Allardyce and Steve McClaren have already ruled themselves out and although Birmingham have twice insisted Steve Bruce, who recently signed a five-year contract, is going nowhere, the speculation over his future continues.

Martin O'Neill, who came out the winner in two fans' polls earlier this week, is unlikely to turn his back on Celtic.

Venables was persuaded to do a short-term job at Middlesbrough in the 2000/'01 season, but turned it down on a permanent basis to concentrate on his television work and business interests in Spain.

He did return unsuccessfully to management at Leeds but still has commitments in Spain.

However the chance to work with a squad as talented as the one at St James' Park could interest him in the short term.