Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has denied reports that the club have approached Terry Venables to replace Sir Bobby Robson who was sacked earlier this week.
The former England coach was believed to be holding talks with Shepherd over the vacant manager’s position at St James Park.
But Shepherd said: “Terry Venables has not been here. I have not spoken to him and I cannot even remember the last time I saw him.”
Venables was seen as a possible short-term appointment to ease Alan Shearer into the role.
But the former England striker has admitted that he does not believe he is ready foor the role.
“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 told The Sun.
“This is a huge club and a huge job and I do not think I am ready for it.
“I want to be a manager one day and if it was at Newcastle in the future then that would be great.
“But I believe that is a long way off, if indeed it ever happens.
“It is flattering and humbling to be linked with such a big job but right now it is simply not for me.”
The Newcastle skipper enjoyed a close relationship with Venables during England’s Euro 96 campaign.
Other candidates linked with the St James Park vacancy include former Southampton manager Gordon Strachan, Birmingham boss Steve Bruce and Aston Villa’s David O’Leary.
