Sparky in Mags' frame
Alan Shearer and Blackburn manager Mark Hughes are the front-runners as Newcastle continue their search for a new boss.
Record goalscorer Shearer yesterday had his cause trumpeted by Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp - who rejected the Magpies on Saturday - while Hughes refused to categorically rule out a move.
Shearer has been linked with a return to St James' Park in partnership with former boss Kevin Keegan but with the club still reeling from top choice Redknapp's snub, there appears no clear front-runner.
Shearer, who retired at the end of the 2005-06 season, is thought to have been out of the country and has not commented since Sam Allardyce left the post last week.
Hughes watched his Blackburn side snatch a dramatic 2-1 win at Bolton and then insisted his focus remains on Rovers.
Despite repeated questioning, however, Hughes did not say he would not leave Blackburn for Newcastle.
"I have support from the chairman (John Williams) and the board," Hughes said. "That is something you do not give up lightly.
"The fact is I have continuity here and a good situation. Things are in place and I am very conscious of that.
"All I am trying to do is my job to the best of my ability with the help of my staff.
"I am not into self-promotion but speculation has surrounded me in the past.
"It is recognition for the work myself, the players and the staff are doing here and that is all we view it as."
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Weather for Hartlepool
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 4 C
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Wind direction: South west
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Temperature: 2 C to 6 C
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